-r.>^y  -v^  w7i'^*'T.i^K. 


BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 

THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 


CONSTITUTION 


M.-.  W;.  GRAND  LODGE 

OF 

FEEE  AND  ACCEPTED  MASONS  OF  THE 

AND 

BY-LAWS   OF 

%lko  I<od^e,  ^0.  15, 

TOGETHER  WITH 

THE  ANCIENT  CHARGES, 
THE     TWENTY-FIVE    LANDMAEKS    OP    EEEEMASONKY, 

AND  A 

FUNERAL  SERVICE. 


CHICAGO : 

J.    W.    MIDDLETON,    STATIONER    AND    STEAM    PRINTER, 

6  &  7  East  Randolph  Street. 

1872. 


Charges  of  a  Freemason, 

Extracted  from  the  Ancient  Records  of  Lodges  beyond  sea,  and  of 
those  in  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  for  the  use  of  the 
Lodges  in  London.  To  be  read  at  the  making  of  New  Brethren, 
or  when  the  Master  shall  order  it."^ 

THE  GENERAL  HEADS,  viz  :— 

I.  Or  God  and  Religion.  » 

II.  Of  the  Civil  Magistrate,  Supreme  and  Subordinate. 

III.  Of  Lodges. 

IV.  Of  Masters,  Wardens,  Fellows,  and  Apprentices. 

V.  Of  the  Management  of  the  Craft  in  working. 

VI.  Of  Behavior,  via^,: — 

1.  In  the  Lodge  while  Constituted. 

2.  After  the  Lodge  is  over  and  the  Brethren  not  gone. 

3.  When  Brethren  meet  without  Strangers,  but  not  in  a  Lodge. 

4.  In  presence  of  Strangers  not  Masons. 

5.  At  Home  and  in  the  Neighborhood. 

6.  Toward  a  strange  Brother. 

I.  CONCERNING  GOD  AND  RELIGION. 

A  Mason  is  obliged,  by  his  tenure,  to  obey  the  moral  law  ;  and 
if  he  rightly  understands  the  art,  he  will  never  be  a  stupid  atheist 
nor  an  irreligious  libertine.  But  though  in  ancient  times  Masons 
were  charged  in  every  country  to  be  of  the  religion  of  that  country 
or  nation,  whatever  it  was,  it  is  now  thought  more  expedient  only 
to  oblige  them  to  that  religion  in  which  all  men  agree,  leaving 
their  particular  opinions  to  themselves ;  that  is,  to  be  good  men 
and  true,  or  men  of  honor  and  honesty,  by  whatever  denomina- 
tions or  persuasions  they  may  be  distinguished  ;  (whereby  Masonry 

*  These  charges  were  prepared  and  presented  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Engla  nd 
in  1721  by  Dr.  Anderson  and  Dr.  Desaguliers,  and  having  been  approved  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  March,  1722,  were  publislied  in  the  iirst  edition  of 
the  Book  of  Cunstitutions.  They  have  always  been  held  in  the  highest  veneration  by 
the  fraternity,  as  embodying  the  most  important  points  of  the  ancient  icrtiien,  as 
well  as  unwritten,  law  ot  Masonry. 


4  ANCIENT    CHARGES. 

becomes  the  center  of  union,)  and  the  means  of  conciliating  true 
friendship  aiiiong  persons  that  must  have  remained  at  a  perpetual 
distance. 

II.     OF  THE  CIVIL   MAGISTRATE,  SUPREME  AND 
SUBORDINATE. 

A  Mason  is  a  peaceable  subject  to  the  civil  powers  wherever  he 
resides  or  works,  and  is  never  to  be  concerned  in  plots  and  con- 
spiracies against  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  nation,  nor  to  behave 
himself  undutifully  to  inferior  magistrates ;  for  as  Masonry  hath 
always  been  injured  by  war,  bloodshed,  and  confusion,  so  ancient 
kings  and  princes  have  been  much  disposed  to  encourage  the  crafts- 
men, because  of  their  peaceableness  and  loyalty,  whereby  they 
practically  answered  the  cavils  of  their  adversaries,  and  promoted 
the  honor  of  the  fraternity,  who  ever  flourished  in  times  of  peace.* 
So  that  if  a  brother  should  be  a  rebel  against  the  state,  he  is  not  to 
be  countenanced  in  his  rebellion,  however  he  may  be  pitied  as  an 
unhappy  man;  and,  if  convicted  of  no  other  crime,  though  the  loyal 
brotherhood  must  and  ought  to  disown  his  rebellion,  and  give  no 
umbrage  or  ground  of  political  jealousy  to  the  government  for  the 
time  being,  they  can  not  expel  him  from  the  Lodge,  and  his  rela- 
tion to  it  remains  indefeasible. 

III.     OF  LODGES. 

A  Lodge  is  a  place  where  Masons  assemble  and  work  ;  hence 
that  assembly,  or  duly  organized  society  of  Masons,  is  called  a 
Lodge,  and  every  brother  ought  to  belong  to  one,  and  to  be  subject 
to  its  by-laws  and  the  General  Regulations.  It  is  either  particular 
or  general,  and  will  be  best  understood  by  attending  it,  and  by  the 
regulations  of  the  General  or  Grand  Lodge  hereunto  annexed.  In 
ancient  times,  no  Master  or  Fellow  could  be  absent  from  it,  especi- 
ally when  warned  to  appear  at  it,  without  incurring  a  severe 
censure,  until  it  appeared  to  the  Master  and  Wardens  that  pure 
necessity  hindered  him. 

The  persons  admitted  members  of  a  Lodge  must  be  good  and 
true  men,  free-born,  and  of  mature  and  discreet  age,  no  bond-men, 
no  women,  no  immoral  or  scandalous  men,  but  of  good  report. 

IV.     OF  MASTERS,  WARDENS,  FELLOWS,  AND  APPRENTICES. 

All  preferment  among  Masons  is  grounded  upon  real  worth 
and  personal  merit  only ;  that  so  the  lords  may  be  well  served, 
the  brethren  not  put  to  shame,  nor  the  Royal  Craft  despised: 
Therefore  no  Master  or  Warden  is  chosen  by  seniority,  but  for  his 
merit.  It  is  impossible  to  describe  these  things  in  writing,  and 
every  brother  must  attend  in  his  place,  and  learn  them  in  a  way 
peculiar  to  this  fraternity  ;  only  candidates  may  know  that  no 
Master  should  take  an  Apprentice  unless  he  has  sufficient  employ- 
ment for  him,  and  unless  he  be  a  perfect  youth,  having  no  maim 


ANCIENT    CHARGES. 


or  defect  in  his  body,  that  may  render  him  uncapable  of  learning 
the  art  of  serving  his  Master's  Lord,  and  of  being  made  a  Brother 
and  then  f^:  Fellow  Craft  in  due  time,  even  after  he  has  served  such 
a  term  of  years  as  the  custom  of  the  country  directs ;  and  that  he 
should  be  descended  of  honest  parents  ;  that  so,  when  otherwise 
qualified,  he  may  arrive  at  the  honor  of  being  the  Warden,  and  then 
the  Master  of  the  Lodge,  the  Grand  Warden,  and  at  length  the 
Grand  Master  of  all  the  Lodges,  according  to  his  merit. 

No  brother  can  be  a  Warden  until  he  has  passed  the  part  ot  a 
Fellow  Craft ;  nor  a  Master  until  he  has  acted  as  a  Warden,  nor  Grand 
Warden  until  he  has  been  Master  of  a  Lodge,  nor  Grand  Master 
unless  he  has  been  a  fellow  Craft  before  his  election,  who  is  also  to 
be  nobly  born,  or  a  gentlemen  of  the  best  fashion,  or  some  eminent 
scholar,  or  some  curious  architect,  or  other  artist,  descended^  of 
honest  parents,  and  who  is  of  singular  great  merit  m  the  opinion 
of  the  Lodges.  And  for  the  better,  and  easier,  and  more  honor- 
able discharge  of  his  ofBce,  the  Grand  Master  has  a  power  to 
choose  his  own  Deputy  Grand  Master,  who  must  be  then  or  must 
have  been  formerly,  the  Master  of  a  particular  Lodge,  and  has  tlie 
privilege  of  acting  whatever  the  Grand  Master,  his  principal, 
should  act,  unless  the  said  principal  be  present,  or  interpose  his 
authority  by  a  letter.  v,      v     ,         ^+v.^ 

These  rulers  and  governors,  supreme  and  subordinate,  ot  tne 
ancient  Lodge,  are  to  be  obeyed  in  their  respective  stations  by  all 
the  brethren,  according  to  the  Old  Charges  and  regulations,  with 
all  humility,  reverence  love  and  alacrity. 

V.     OF  THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  THE  CRAFT  IN  WORKING. 

All  Masons  shall  work  honestly  on  working  days,  that  they 
may  live  creditably  on  holy  days  ;  and  the  time  appointed  by  the 
law  of  the  land,  or  confirmed  by  custom,  shall  be  observed. 

The  most  expert  of  the  Fellow  Craftsmen  shall  be  chosen  or 
appointed  the  Master,  or  Overseer,  of  the  lord's  work ;  who  is  to  be 
called  Master  by  those  that  work  under  him.  The  Craftsmen  are 
to  avoid  all  ill  language,  and  to  call  each  other  by  no  disobliging 
name,  but  brother  or  fellow ;  and  to  behave  themselves  courteously 
within  and  without  the  Lodge. 

The  Master  knowing  himslf  to  be  able  of  cunning,  shall  under- 
take the  lord's  work  as  reasonably  as  possible,  and  truly  dispend 
his  goods  as  if  they  were  his  own  ;  nor  to  give  more  wages  to  any 
brother  or  apprentice  than  he  really  may  deserve. 

Both  the  Master  and  the  Masons  receiving  their  wages  justly, 
shall  be  faithful  to  the  lord,  and  honestly  finish  their  work,  whether 
task  or  journey  ;  nor  put  the  work  to  task  that  hath  been  accustomed 
to  journey.  .         ^      ,      xu 

None  shall  discover  envy  at  the  prosperity  of  a  brother  nor 
supplant  him,  or  put  him  out  of  his  work,  if  he  be  capable  to  finish 


b  ANCIENT    CHARGES. 

the  same  ;  for  no  man  can  finish  another's  work  so  much  to  the 
lord's  profit,  unless  he  be  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  designs 
and  draughts  of  him  that  begun  it. 

When  a  fellow  Craftsman  is  chosen  Wardien  of  the  work  under 
the  Master,  he  shall  be  true  both  tew  Master  and  fellows,  shall  care- 
fully oversee  the  work  in  the  Master's  absence  to  the  lord's  profit  ; 
and  his  brethren  shall  obey  him. 

All  Masons  employed  shall  meekly  receive  their  wages  without 
murmuring  or  mutiny,  and  not  desert  the  master  till  the  work  is 
finished. 

A  younger  brother  shall  be  instructed  in  working,  to  prevent 
spoiling  the  materials  for  want  of  judgment,  and  for  increasing  and 
continuing  of  brotherly  love. 

All  the  tools  in  working  shall  be  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

No  laborer  shall  be  employed  in  the  proper  work  of  Masonry  ; 
nor  shall  Freemasons  work  with  those  that  are  not  free,  without  an 
urgent  necessity  ;  nor  shall  they  teach  laborers  and  unaccepted 
Masons,  as  they  should  teach  a  brother  or  fellow. 

VI.  OF  BEHAVIOR,  viz  : 

I.       IN  THE   LODGE  WHILE  CONSTITUTED. 

You  are  not  to  hold  private  committees,  or  separate  conversa- 
tion, without  leave  from  the  Master,  nor  to  talk  of  anything  imper- 
tinent or  unseemly,  nor  interrupt  the  Master  or  Wardens,  or  any 
brother  speaking  to  the  Master  ;  nor  behave  yourself  ludicrously  or 
jestingly  while  the  Lodge  is  engaged  in  what  is  serious  and  solemn; 
nor  use  any  unbecoming  language  upon  any  pretence  whatsoever  ;  but 
to  pay  due  reverence  to  your  Master,  Wardens,  and  Fellows,  and 
put  them  to  worship. 

If  any  complaint  be  brought,  the  brother  found  guilty  shall 
stand  to  the  award  and  determination  of  the  Lodge,  who  are  the 
proper  and  competent  judges  of  all  such  controversies  (unless  you 
carry  it  by  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge,)  and  to  whom  they  ought  to 
be  referred,  unless  a  lord's  work  be  hindered  the  meanwhile,  in 
which  case  a  particular  reference  may  be  made ;  but  you  must 
never  go  to  law  about  what  concerns  Masonry,  without  on  absolute 
necessity  apparent  to  the  Lodge. 

2.    BEHAVIOUR  AFTER  THE   LODGE   IS   OVER  AND   THE   BRETHREN 
NOT    GONE. 

You  may  enjoy  yourself  with  innocent  mirth,  treating  one 
another  according  to  ability,  but  avoiding  all  excess,  or  forcing  any 
brother  to  eat  or  drink  beyond  his  inclination,  or  hindering  him 
from  going  when  his  occasions  call  him,  or  doing  or  saying  any- 
thing otfensive,  or  that  may  forbid  an  easy  and  free  conversation  ; 
for  that  would  blast  our  harmony  and  defeat  our  laudable  purposes. 


ANCIENT    CHARGES.  7 

Therefore  no  private  piques  or  quarrels  must  be  brought  within  the 
door  of  the  Lodge,  far  less  quarrels  about  religion,  or  nations,  or 
state  policy,  we  being  only  as  Masons  of  the  catholic  religion, 
above-mentioned  ;  we  are  also  of  all  nations,  tongues,  kindreds, 
and  languages,  and  are  resolved  against  all  politics,  as  what  never 
yet  conduced  to  the  welfare  of  the  Lodge,  nor  ever  will.  This 
Charge  has  been  always  strictly  enjoined  and  observed ;  but  especi- 
ally ever  since  the  Reformation  in  Britain,  or  the  dissent  and 
secession  of  these  nations  from  the  communion  of  Rome. 

3.    BEHAVIOR  WHEN  BRETHREN  MEET  WITHOUT  STRANGERS,  BUT  NOT   IN 
A  LODGE  FORMED. 

You  are  to  salute  one  another  in  a  courteous  manner,  as  you 
will  be  instructed,  calling  each  other  Brother,  freely  giving  mutual 
instruction  as  shall  be  thought  expedient,  without  being  overseen 
or  overheard,  and  without  encroaching  upon  each  other,  or  deroga- 
ting from  that  respect  which  is  due  to  any  brother,  were  he  not  a 
Mason ;  for  though  all  Masons  are  as  brethren  upon  the  same  level, 
yet  Masonry  takes  no  honor  from  a  man  that  he  had  before  ;  nay, 
rather  it  adds  to  his  honor,  especially  if  he  has  deserved  well  of 
the  brotherhood,  who  must  give  honor  to  whom  it  is  due,  and  avoid 
ill  manners. 

4.    BEHAVIOR  IN  PRESENCE  OF  STRANGERS  NOT  3IAS0NS. 

You  shall  be  cautious  in  your  words  and  carriage,  that  the 
most  jienetrating  stranger  shall  not  be  able  to  discover  or  find  out 
what  is  not  proper  to  be  intimated ;  and  sometimes  you  shall  divert 
a  discourse,  and  manage  it  prudently  for  the  honor  of  the  Worship- 
ful Fraternity. 

5.    BEHAVIOR  AT  HOME  AND  IN  YOUR  NEIGHBORHOOD. 

You  are  to  act  as  becomes  a  moral  and  wise  man ;  particularly, 
not  to  let  your  family,  friends,  and  neighbors  know  the  concerns  of 
the  Lodge,  etc.,  but  wisely  to  consult  your  own  honor,  and  that  of 
the  Ancient  Brotherhood,  for  reasons  not  to  be  mentioned  here. 
You  must  also  consult  your  health  by  not  continuing  together  too 
late,  or  too  long  from  home,  after  Lodge  hours  are  past ;  and  by 
avoiding  of  gluttony  or  drunkeness,  that  your  families  be  not 
neglected  or  injured,  nor  you  disabled  from  working. 

6.  BEHAVIOR  TOWARD  A  STRANGER  BROTHER. 

You  are  cautiously  to  examine  him,  in  such  a  method  as 
prudence  shall  direct  you,  that  you  may  not  be  imposed  upon  by  an 
ignorant  false  pretender,  whom  you  are  to  reject  with  contempt  and 
derision,  and  beware  of  giving  him  any  hints  of  knowledge. 

But  if  you  discover  him  to  be  a  true  and  genuine  brother,  you 


O  ANCIENT    CHARGES. 

are  to  respect  him  accordingly ;  and  if  he  is  in  want,  you  must  re- 
lieve him  if  you  can,  or  else  direct  him  how  he  may  be  relieved  ;  you 
must  employ  him  some  days,  or  else  recommend  him  to  be  employed. 
But  you  are  not  charged  to  do  beyond  your  ability,  only  to  prefer 
a  poor  brother,  that  is  a  good  man  and  true,  before  any  other  poor 
people  in  the  same  circumstances. 

Finally^  All  these  Charges  you  are  to  observe,  and  also  those 
that  shall  be  communicated  to  you  in  another  way  ;  cultivating 
brotherly  love,  the  foundation  and  cap-stone,  the  cement  and  glory 
of  this  ancient  fraternity,  avoiding  all  wrangling  and  quarreling, 
all  slander  and  backbiting,  nor  permitting  others  to  slander  any 
other  brother,  but  defending  his  character,  and  doing  him  all  good 
offices,  as  far  as  is  consistent  with  your  honor  and  safety  and  no 
further.  And  if  any  of  them  do  you  injury,  you  must  apply  to 
your  own  or  his  Lodge  ;  and  from  thence  you  may  appeal  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  the  quarterly  communication,  and  from  thence  to 
the  annual  Grand  Lodge,  as  has  been  the  ancient  laudable 
conduct  of  our  forefathers  in  every  nation  ;  never  taking  a  legal 
course,  but  when  the  case  can  not  be  otherwise  decided,  and 
patiently  listening  to  the  honest  and  friendly  advice  of  Master 
and  fellows  when  they  would  prevent  you  going  to  law  with 
strangers,  or  would  excite  you  to  put  a  speedy  period  to 
all  law-suits,  that  so  you  may  mind  the  affair  of  Masonry  with 
more  alacrity  and  success ;  but  with  respect  to  brothers  or  fellows 
at  law,  the  Master  and  brethren  should  kindly  offer  their  medita- 
tion, which  ought  to  be  thankfully  submitted  to  by  the  contending 
brethren  and  if  that  submission  is  impracticable,  they  must,  how- 
ever, carry  on  their  process  or  law-suit  without  wrath  and  rancor, 
(not  in  the  common  way,)  saying  or  doing  nothing  which  may 
hinder  brotherly  love,  and  good  officers  to  be  renewed  and  continued  ; 
that  all  may  see  the  benign  influence  of  Masonry,  as  all  true 
Masons  have  done  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  and  will  do  to 
the  end  of  time. 

Amen.     So  mote  it  be. 


TmB 


Twenty-Five  Lanharb  of  Freemasoiry. 


I.  The  modes  of  recognition. 

II.  The  division  of  symbolic  Masonry  into  three  degrees. 

III.  The  legend  of  the  third  degree. 

IV.  The  government  of  the  fraternity  by  a  presiding  officer 
called  a  Grand  Master,  who  is  elected  from  the  body  of  the  craft. 

V.  The  prerogative  of  the  Grand  Master  to  preside  over  every 
assembly  of  the  craft,  wheres over  and  whensoever  held. 

VI.  The  prerogative  of  the  Grand  Master  to  grant  dispensa- 
tions for  conferring  degrees  at  irregular  times. 

VII.  The  prerogative  of  the  Grand  Master  to  grant  dispensa- 
tions for  opening  and  holding  Lodges. 

VIII.  The  prerogative  of  the  Grand  Master  to  make  Masons 
at  sight. 

IX.  The  necessity  for  Masons  to  congregate  in  Lodges. 

X.  The  government  of  every  Lodge  by  a  Master  and  two 
Wardens. 

XI.  The  necessity,  that  every  Lodge,  when  congregated, 
should  be  duly  tiled. 

XII.  The  right  of  every  Mason  to  be  represented  in  all 
general  meetings  of  the  craft,  and  to  instruct  his  representatives. 

XIII.  The  right  of  every  Mason  to  appeal  from  the  decision 
of  his  brethren  in  Lodge  convened  to  the  Grand  Lodge  or  General 
Assembly  of  Masons. 

XIV.  The  right  of  every  Mason  to  vist  and  sit  in  every  regular 
Lodge. 

XV.  That  no  visitor  not  known  to  some  brother  present  as  a 
Mason,  can  enter  a  Lodge  without  undergoing  an  examination. 

XVI.  That  no  Lodge  can  interfere  in  the  business  or  labor  of 
another  Lodge. 

XVII.  Thai  every  Freemason  is  amendable  to  the  laws  and 
regulations  of  the  Masonic  jurisdiction  in  which  he  resides. 

*  A  full  pxplanation  of  and  commentary  on  these  Landmarks  will  be  found  in 
Mackey's  "  Text-Book  of  Masonic  Jurisprudence,"  pp.  17-39. 


10  ANCIENT    LANDMARKS. 

XVIII.  That  every  candidate  for  initiation  must  be  a  man, 
free  born  and  of  lawful  age. 

XIX.  That  every  Mason  must  believe  in  tlje  existence  of  God 
as  the  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe. 

XX.  That  every  Mason  must  believe  in  a  resurrection  to  a 
future  life. 

XXI.  That  a  book  of  the  law  of  God  must  constitute  an  indis- 
pensable part  of  the  furniture  of  every  Lodge. 

XXII.  That  all  men  in  the  sight  of  God  are  equal,  and  meet 
in  the  Lodge  on  one  common  level. 

XXIII.  That  Freemasonry  is  a  secret  society,  in  possession  of 
secrets  that  can  not  be  divulged. 

XXIV.  That  Freemasonry  consists  of   a   speculative  science 
founded  on  an  operative  art. 

XXV.  That  the  Landmarks  of  Masonry  can  never  be  changed. 
These  constitute  the  Landmarks,   or,   as  they  have   sometimes 

been  called  "the  body    of  Masonry,"  in  which   it  is  not  in    the 
power  of  any  man,  or  body  of  men,  to  make  the  least  innovation 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 


M.-.W.:.GRAND  LODGE 

OF 

Free  and  Accepted  Masons 

OF  THE 

STATE  OF  NEVADA,       - 

AS  ADOPTED  IN  CONVENTION,  JANUARY  17th,  A.  L.  5865. 


PART  I. 

Of  the  Organization  of  the   Grand  Lodge. 


ARTICLE  I. 

OF    ITS    TITLE    AND    SEAL. 

Section  1.  This  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  entitled  "The  Most 
Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Fii^e  and  Accepted  Masons  of  the  State 
of  Nevada." 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  have  a  Seal,  bearing  such  devices  and  inscrip- 
tions as  may  hereafter  be  determined  ;  which  shall  be  affixed  to  all 
instruments  issued  by  or  under  its  authority. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF  ITS   MEMBERS  AND  THEIR  QUALIFICATIONS. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  composed  of  a  Grand 
Master,  (whose  address  shall  be  Most  Worshipful,)  a  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  a  Senior  Grand  Warden,  and  a  Junior  Grand  Warden, 
(whose  addresses  shall  severally  be  Right  Worshipful,)  a  Grand  Treas- 
urer and  a  Grand  Secretary,  (whose  addresses  shall  severally  be 
Very  Worshipful,)  and  a  Grand  Chaplain,  (whose  address  shall  be 
Very  Reverend,)  a  Grand  Orator,  a  Grand  Marshal,  a  Grand  Standard 
Bearer,  a  Grand  Sword  Bearer,    a  Grand   Bible  Bearer,   a  Senior 


12  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

Grand  Deacon,  a  Junior  Grand  Deacon,  two  Grand  Stewards,  a 
Grand  Organist,  a  Grand  Pursuivant,  and  a  Grand  Tyler,  (whose 
addresses  shall  severally  be  Worshipful,)  and  such  other  officers  as 
it  may  hereafter  designate  ;  together  with  all  the  Past  Grand  Offi- 
cers and  Past  Masters  of  this  jurisdiction,  and  the  Masters  and 
Wardens  of  the  several  chartered  and  duly  constituted  Lodges, 
or  the  representatives  thereof,  duly  elected  as  provided  in  Art.  II, 
Part  VII. 

Sec.  2.  Each  officer  and  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  must  be 
a  member  of  some  Lodge  within  its  jurisdiction.  With  the  cessation 
of  such  membership,  shall  cease  his  office  and  membership  in  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  No  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  represented 
therein  by  proxy. 

ARTICLE  III. 

or    ITS    POWERS    AND    AUTHORITY. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  is  the  Supreme  Masonic  Power 
and  Authority  in  this  State,  possessing  all  the  attributes  of 
sovereignty  and  government — legislative,  executive,  and  judicial — 
limited  only  by  a  strict  adherence  to  the  Ancient  Landmarks  of  the 
Order,  and  to  the  provisions  of  its  own  Constitution  and  Regula- 
tions. 

Sec.  2.  Its  legislative  powers  extend  to  every  case  of  legisla- 
tion, not  expressly  delegated  by  itself  to  the  Lodges  ;  and  the  Con- 
stitutions and  Regulations,  which  it  has  an  inalienable  right  to  adopt 
and  promulgate  at  its  own  convenience,  and  to  alter,  amend,  or 
repeal  at  its  own  pleasure,  under  the  limitations  therein  imposed, 
are  final  and  binding  upon  all  Lodges  and  Masons  within  its  juris- 
diction, until  so  altered,  amended,  or  repealed. 

Sec.  3.  Its  executive  powers  include  the  granting  of  dispen- 
sations and  charters  to  establish  and  perpetuate  Lodges  within  this 
State,  and  in  other  territory  where  no  Grand  Lodge  exists  ;  the  re- 
vocation or  suspension  thereof;  the  issuing  of  special  dispensations 
for  all  purposes  permitted  by  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  Consti- 
tution ;  and  the  exercise,  generally,  of  all  such  authority  as  may  be 
necessary  to  carry  its  own  legislation  into  complete  effect. 

Sec.  4.     Its  judicial  powers  are  of  two  kinds : — 

1st.  Original — Including  the  decision  of  all  controversies  be- 
tween any  of  the  Lodges,  or  between  one  of  them  and  a  member  or 
members  of  another,  or  between  members  of  different  Lodges  ;  and 
the  enforcement  of  discipline  upon  its  own  members  and  upon  the 
Lodges  under  its  jurisdiction  :  and 

2d.  Appellate — Embracing  the  revision  of  all  matters  of  con- 
troversy or  discipline,  proper  for  Masonic  investigation,  which  may 
have  arisen  in  any  of  the  Lodges,  and  over  which  it  has  not  re- 
tained original  jurisdiction. 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  13 

ARTICLE  IV. 

OF    ITS    COMMUNICATIONS. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  hold  its  Annual  Communi- 
cations for  the  transaction  of  its  regular  business,  at  the  City  of 
Virginia,  commencing  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October,  at  10 
o'clock,  A.  M. 

Sec.  2.  Special  Communications  may  be  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Master,  whenever  in  his  opinion,  the  welfare  of  the  Fraternity  shall 
require  it. 

Sec.  3.  Special  Communications  shall  be  ordered  by  the 
Grand  Master,  upon  an  application  therefor  in  writing,  setting 
forth  the  causes  which  demand  it,  and  signed  by  the  Masters  of  at 
least  three  chartered  Lodges. 

Sec.  4.  Every,  order  for  a  Special  Communication  shall  desig- 
nate the  object  thereof  so  far  as  is  proper  to  be  written,  and  shall 
be  issued  to  each  Lodge  and  Grand  Officer  at  least  thirty  days 
before  the  day  named  for  meeting  ;  and  no  business  shall  be  trans- 
acted thereat  other  than  that  for  which  the  Grand  Lodge  was 
especially  convened. 

Sec.  5.  The  officers  or  representatives  of  at  least  five  chartered 
Lodges  shall  be  present  in  order  to  transact  any  business  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  either  at  an  Annual  or  Special  Communication ;  but 
upon  occasions  of  ceremony  only  the  Grand  Master,  or  his  duly 
authorized  representative,  with  a  sufficient  number  of  brethren  to 
fill  the  stations  and  places,  may  at  any  time  open  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  perform  the  ceremonies  for  which  it  was  convened. 

ARTICLE  V. 

OF    ITS    ELECTIONS  AND    APPOINTMENTS'. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand  Master,  Grand 
Wardens,  Grand  Treasurer,  and  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  elected 
by  ballot,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  upon  the  fourth  day 
thereof,  unless  the  business  of  the  Communication  shall  be  sooner 
finished  ;  shall  be  installed  before  its  close  ;  and  shall  hold  their 
respective  offices  until  their  successors  shall  have  been  elected  and 
installed.  A  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  shall  be  necessary  for 
an  election. 

Sec.  2.  All  other  Grand  Officers  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Grand  Master,  immediately  after  his  installation,  at  each  Annual 
Communication,  and  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  during  his 
will  and  pleasure. 

Sec.  3.  Whenever  a  vacancy  shall  occur  in  any  elective  office 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand  Master  shall  have  power  to  fill  the 
same  by  appointment  which  appointment  shall  be  valid  until  the  suc- 
ceeding annual  election  and  installation  ;  and  the  officer  so  appointed 
shall  be  charged  with  all  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  one  re- 
gularly elected. 


14  COXSTITUTION  OF   THE 

ARTICLE  VI. 

or    ITS    VOTING    AND    REPRESENTATION. 

Section  1.     All  questions  in  the  Grand  Lodge  (except  election 
of  officers,)  shall  be  decided  either  viva  voce,  or  by  a  show  of  hands  ; 
unless  before  the  announcement  of  the  result  thereof,  three  mem-  ~ 
bers  shall  demand  that  the   vote  be  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,   in 
which  case  it  shall  thus  be  taken. 

Sec.  2.  Each  Grand  Officer  present,  whether  elected  or  appoint- 
ed, (except  the  Grand  Tyler,)  and  each  past  Grand  Officer  present 
shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote. 

Sec  3.  Each  Lodge  represented  shall  be  entitled  to  three 
votes  and  the  Past  Masters  of  each  Lodge  shall,  collectively,  be 
entitled  to  one  vote. 

Sec.  4.  No  Grand  Officer,  Past  Grand  Officer,  or  Past  Master 
voting,  or  participating  in  a  vote,  in  either  of  those  capacities,  shall 
vote,  or  participate  in  a  vote,  in  any  other  of  them  ;  but  either  of 
such  members  may,  as  Master,  Warden,  or  representative  of  a  Lodge, 
cast  also  the  vote  or  votes  to  which  such  position  shall  entitle  him. 

Sec.  5.  When  a  Lodge  shall  be  represented  by  only  two  of  its 
proper  officers,  the  officer  highest  in  rank  may  cast  two  of  its  three 
votes. 

Sec.  6.  When  a  Lodge  shall  be  represented  by  only  one  of 
its  proper  officers,  or  by  a  representative,  such  officer  or  represen- 
tative may  cast  all  the  votes  to  which  it  is  entitled. 

Sec.  7.  In  all  cases  of  a  tie  vote,  except  votes  by  ballot,  the 
Grand  Master,  in  addition  to  his  proper  vote,  may  have  the  casting 
vote. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

or  its  committees  and  their  duties. 

Section  1.  The  following  regular  committees,  to  consist  of 
three  members  each,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master  at 
each  Annual  Communication,  viz.  :  on  Credentials,  on  Griev- 
ances, on  Finances,  on  Jurisprudence,  on  Charters,  on  Returns,  on 
By-Laws,  and  on  Correspondence. 

Sec.  2.  Special  committees  may  also  be  appointed  by  the 
Grand  Master,  whenever  it  may  be  deemed  necessary  by  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  No  business  of  any  kind  shall  be  finally  acted  upon, 
until  after  reference  to,  and  report  upon  by  a  committee,  unless  by 
unanimous  consent ;  and  no  appropriation  of  money  shall  be  made 
until  after  reference  to,  and  report  upon  by  the  committee  on 
Finances. 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  15 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

OF    ITS    REVENUES. 

Section  1.  The  revenue  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  derived 
from  the  following  sources  : — 

1st.  From  fees  charged  for  dispensations,  charters,  diplomas, 
and  other  documents  issued  under  its  authority. 

2d.  From  contributions  levied  upon  the  Lodges,  which  shall 
always  be  equal  and  uniform,  in  proportion  to  their  membership, 
admissions,  and  degrees  conferred :  and 

3d.  From  the  funds,  dues,  and  proceeds  of  all  property  of 
dissolved  Lodges  within  its  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  2.  The  following  shall  be  the  fees  charged  as  above, 
exclusive  of  those  provided  in  Sec.  3,  Art.  IV,  Part  II,  to  be  paid 
to  the  Grand  Secretary  : — 

1st.  For  a  dispensation  to  form  a  new  Lodge,  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  dollars  : 

2d.  For  a  charter  to  perpetuate  a  Lodge,  the  sum  of  seventy- 
five  dollars  : 

3d.  For  a  dispensation  to  hold  an  election  of  an  officer  or 
officers  at  a  time  other  than  that  named  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  IV, 
the  sum  of  ten  dollars  : 

4th.  For  a  dispensation  to  ballot  for  a  candidate  for  the 
degrees,  without  the  reference  to  a  committee  provided  in  Sec.  8, 
Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars : 

5th.  For  a  dispensation  to  receive  and  act  upon  the  petition 
of  a  rejected  candidate,  within  a  less  period  than  twelve  months 
prescribed  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars :  and 

6th.  For  a  diploma  of  any  kind,  the  sum  of  two  dollars,  except 
when  issued  for  the  widow  or  children  of  a  deceased  Mason,  in 
which  case  there  shall  be  no  charge ;  but  no  diploma  shall  issue 
except  upon  the  presentation  to  the  Grand  Secretary  of  a  certificate 
from  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge,  in  one  of  the  forms  prescribed  in 
Art.  Ill,  Part  VII. 

Sec.  3.  In  no  case  shall  either  of  the  foregoing  documents  be 
issued  until  the  fees  therefor  shall  have  been  paid  to  the  Grand 
Secretary. 

Sec.  4.  The  following  contributions  shall  be  paid  as  annual 
dues,  by  each  of  the  Lodges,  whether  chartered  or  under  dispensa- 
tion, at  the  time  and  in  the  manner  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  II, 
Part  III  :— 

1st.  For  each  degree  it  shall  have  conferred  during  the  year, 
the  sum  of  one  dollar  : 

2d.  For  each  member  it  shall  have  received  by  affiliation  dur- 
ing the  year,  the  sum  of  one  dollar : 

3d.  For  each  Master  Mason  borne  upon  its  roll  at  the  date  of 
its  annual  return,  the  sum  of  two  dollars : 


16  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE 

And  the  Grand  Lodge  may  levy,  in  addition  to  the  above,  such 
other  contributions  as  in  its  judgment  may  be  required. 

Sec.  5.  In  case  of  the  dissolution  of  a  Lodge,  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary, or  some  brother  by  him  duly  authorized,  shall  at  once  pro- 
ceed to  receive  its  funds  on  hand,  collect  its  outstanding  dues,  and 
dispose  of  its  jewels,  furniture  and  property  of  every  kind,  in  such 
manner  as  shall  seem  to  him  most  judicious  ;  and  he  shall  place  the 
proceeds  thereof,  after  the  payment  of  necessary  expenses,  among 
the  funds  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


PABT  II. 
Of  the   Grand   Officers^  their  Powers  and  Duties, 


ARTICLE  L 

OF    THE    GRAND    MASTER. 

Section  1.  The  Grand  Master,  during  the  interval  between 
the  Communications  of  the  ^rand  Lodge,  may  exercise  all  of  its 
executive  powers  as  defined  in  Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  I,  except  the 
granting  of  charters.     By  virtue  of  these,  authority  is  given  him — 

1st.  To  grant  dispensations  for  the  formation  of  New  Lodges, 
under  the  regulations  prescribed  in  Sec.  2,  Art.  I,  Part  III  : 

2d.  To  grant  dispensations  for  the  holding  elections  of  an 
officer  or  officers  at  times  other  than  the  regular  periods  prescribed 
in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I.  Part  IV,  under  the  regulations  provided  in  Sec. 
2,  Art.  I,  Part  I V  : 

3d.  To  grant  dispensations  to  ballot  for  and  confer  the  degrees 
upon  candidates,  without  the  reference  of  their  applications  to 
committees  as  provided  in  Sec.  3,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  under  the 
regulations  prescribed  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III : 

4th.  To  grant  dispensations  to  receive  and  act  upon  the 
petitions  of  rejected  applicants,  within  a  less  period  than  the 
twelve  months  prescribed  in.  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III,  under 
the  regulations  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III  : 

5th.  To  convene  any  Lodge,  preside  therein,  inspect  its 
proceedings,  and  compel  its  conformity  to  Masonic  usage  : 

6th.  To  arrest  the  charter  or  dispensation  of  any  Lodge,  for 
good  reasons  shown,  and  suspend  the  operations  thereof  until  the 
next  Annual  Communication  : 

7th.  To  suspend  the  Master  of  any  Lodge  from  the  exercise 
of  the  powers  and  duties  of  his  office,  for  good  reasons  shown,  until 
the  next  Annual  Communication  : 

8th.  To  require  the  attendance  of,  and  information  from  any 
Grand  Officer  respecting  matters  appertaining  to  the  duties  of  his 
office  :   and 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  17 

9th.  To  appoint  Representatives  in  other  recognized  Grand 
Lodges,  and  to  receive  and  accredit  such  representatives  from  them. 

Sec.  2.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Master — 

1st.     To  preside  in  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Communications : 

2d.  To  present,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  a  written 
message,  therein  setting  forth  all  his  official  acts  during  the  year, 
exhibiting  the  general  condition  of  Masonry  within  the  jurisdiction, 
and  recommending  such  legislation  as  he  may  deem  necessary  or 
expedient  for  the  welfare  of  the  Order  : 

3d.  To  constitute  all  chartered  Lodges,  either  in  person  or  by 
a  duly  authorized  representative,  in  accordance  with  the  ancient 
usages  and  regulations  : 

4th.  To  exercise  a  general  and  careful  supervision  over  the 
Craft,  and  see  that  the  (constitution  and  Regulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  are  strictly  maintained,  supported,  and  obeyed :   and 

5th.  To  discharge  all  the  necessary  executive  functions  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  when  that  body  is  not  in  session. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF    THE    DEPUTY    GRAND    MASTER    AND    GRAND    WARDENS. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Master 
to  assist  the  Grand  Master  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  at  all  the 
Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and,  in  his  absence,  to  preside 
therein ;  and  in  the  event  of  the  death  of  the  Grand  Master,  or  his 
absence  from  the  State,  or  of  his  inability  from  any  cause  toper- 
form  the  functions  of  his  office,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall  suc- 
ceed to  and  be  charged  with  all  his  powers  and  duties. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Wardens  to  assist 
the  Grand  Master  at  all  the  Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and,  in  his  absence,  and  that  of  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  pre- 
side therein  in  the  order  of  their  rank  ;  and,  in  case  of  the  death, 
absence  from  the  State,  or  inability  as  before,  of  both  of  their 
superiors,  the  Grand  Wardens  shall,  in  the  order  of  their  rank, 
succeed  to  and  be  charged  with  all  the  powers  and  duties  of  the 
Grand  Master. 

ARTICLE  III. 

OF    THE    GRAND    TREASURER. 

* 

Section  1,     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand'Treasurer — 
1st.     To    receive   all  moneys  belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
from  the  Grand  Secretary ;  to  give  him  duplicate  receipts  therefor  ; 
and  to  keep,  in  proper  books,  a  just  account  thereof : 

2d.  To  take  charge  of  all  other  property  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
except  as  provided  in  Sec.  I,  Art.  IV,  of  this  Part,  and  keep  an  ac- 
curate account  thereof: 


18  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

3d.  To  pay  all  orders  drawn  upon  such  funds  and  moneys, 
under  such  regulations  as  may  be  provided  by  the  Grand  Lodge  : 

4th.  To  attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Communications, 
and  the  Grand  Master  when  required,  with  the  books  and  all 
necessary  papers  appertaining  to  his  office ;  and  also,  if  required 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master,  to  attend  with  such  books 
and  papers  upon  any  committee  which  may  be  appointed  to  act  in 
relation  to  the  fiscal  concerns  of  the  Grand  Lodge  :  and 

5th.  To  report  at  each  Annual  Communication  a  detailed  ac- 
count of  his  receipts  and  disbursements,  with  proper  vouchers  for 
the  latter ;  and  to  present  a  statement  of  the  existing  condition  of 
its  property  and  finances. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  execute  and  file  in  the  office  of  the  Grand 
Master,  within  fifteen  days  after  his  installation,  an  official  bond, 
in  such  penal  sum  and  with  such  sureties  as  shall  be  approved  by 
the  Grand  Master,  conditioned  that  he  will  faithfully  discharge  the 
duties  of  his  office  as  prescribed  in  this  Constitution,  and,  at  the 
end  of  his  term,  pay  over  and  transfer  to  his  successor  all  funds 
or  property  of  the  Grand  Lodge  which  shall  have  come  into  his 
keeping. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for  his  services 
as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

OF    THE     GRAND    SECRETARY. 

Section  1.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Secretary — 

1st.  To  record  all  the  transactions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  which 
it  is  proper  to  have  written  ;  and  to  superintend  the  publication 
thereof,  immediately  after  the  close  of  each  Communication,  under 
such  instructions  as  may  be  given  by  the  Grand  Lodge  : 

2d.  To  receive,  duly  file,  and  safely  keep  all  papers  and  docu- 
ments addressed  or  belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  and  to  present 
such  as  may  require  its  action,  at  each  Annual  Communication 
thereof: 

3d.  To  keep  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  affix  the  same 
with  his  attestation,  to  all  instruments  emanating  from  that  body, 
and  to  all  the  written  official  acts  of  the  Grand  Master. 

4th.  To  collect  all  moneys  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  keep  a 
correct  account  thereof  in  proper  books,  and  pay  the  same  quarterly 
to  the  Grand  Treasurer  : 

5th.  To  report,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  a  detailed 
account  of  all  moneys  received  by  him  during  the  year,  with  a 
specific  statement  of  the  sources  whence  they  were  derived  ;  and  to 
present  therewith  the  receipts  of  the  Grand  Treasurer  therefor  : 

6th.  To  report  at  each  Annual  Communication,  all  Lodges 
which  shall  be  in  arrears  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  which  shall  have 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  19 

neglected  or  refused  to  comply  with  any  provision  of  its  Constitu^ 
tion  and  Regulations  : 

7th.  To  conduct  the  correspondence  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
to  submit  copies  thereof  at  each  Annual  Communication,  for  its^ 
inspection  : 

8th.  To  attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Communications, 
and  the  Grand  Master,  when  required,  with  the  books  and  all 
necessary  papers  appertaining  to  his  office  : 

9th.  To  keep  his  office,  with  all  the  books,  papers,  and 
archives  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  in  a  fire-proof  building  ;  and  to  have 
the  same  open  each  day  (except  Sundays)  for  the  transaction  of 
Masonic  business : 

10th.  To  transmit  to  each  Lodge  within  the  jurisdiction,  once 
in  every  three  months,  a  list  of  all  rejections,  expulsions,  suspen- 
sions, and  restorations  of  which  he  shall  have  been  notified  by  the 
several  Lodges : 

11th.  To  present,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  an  estimate 
of  the  probable  expenses  of  the  ensuing  year,  giving  each  class  of 
expenditures  under  its  proper  head  ;  and  also  to  present  an  estimate 
of  the  probable  income  from  the  known  sources  of  revenue,  during 
the  same  period  : 

12th.  To  issue  notices  of  any  Special  Communication  ordered 
by  the  Grand  Master  to  each  Lodge  and  Grand  Officer  within  this 
jurisdiction  : 

18th.  To  issue  notices  to  each  Lodge,  of  the  granting  of  a  dis- 
pensation by  the  Grand  Master  for  the  formation  of  a  new  Lodge, 

14th.  To  transmit  to  any  Lodge,  which  shall  send  him  a  certi- 
ficate of  membership  and  good  standing  of  a  deceased  brother,  in 
the  form  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  stating  that  he  leaves  a 
wife,  child,  or  children,  a  Grand  Lodge  Diploma  for  her,  his  or  their 
benefit,  free  of  charge,  when  so  requested  by  such  Lodge  : 

15th.  To  take  charge  of  the  jewels,  furniture,  clothing,  and 
paraphernalia  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  during  its  vacations  : 

16th.  To  furnish  every  Grand  Officer,  elected  or  appointed, 
with  a  certificate  of  such  election  or  appointment : 

17th.  To  act  as  Grand  Librarian  and  take  charge  of  the  library 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  under  such  regulations  as  it  may  prescribe  : 

18th.  To  report,  at  each  Annual  Communication,  all  unfinished 
business  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  to  present  all  such  other  matters 
to  its  notice  as  may  properly  come  within  his  province :  afld 

19th.  To  perform  all  such  other  duties  appertaining  to  his 
office,  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  execute  and  file  in  the  office  of  the  Grand 
Master,  within  fifteen  days  after  his  installation,  an  official  bond, 
in  such  penal  sum,  and  with  such  sureties  as  shall  be  approved 
by  the  Grand  Master,  conditioned  that  he  will  faithfully  discharge 
the  duties  of  his  office  as  prescribed  in  this  Constitution. 


20  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for  his  services  as 
the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct ;  and  in  addition  thereto  shall  receive 
the  following  fees  ; 

1st.  For  a  dispensation  to  open  a  new  Lodge,  the  sum  of  Ten 
Dollars : 

2d.  For  a  charter  to  perpetuate  a  Lodge,  the  sum  of  Ten 
Dollars  : 

3rd.  For  a  dispensation  to  hold  an  election  of  an  officer  or 
officers,  at  another  than  the  regular  period,  the  sum  of  Five 
Dollars. 

4th.  For  a  dispensation  to  ballot  for  a  candidate  and  confer  the 
degrees,  without  reference  to  a  committee,  the  sum  of  Five  Dollars  : 

5th.  For  a  dispensation  to  receive  and  act  upon  the  petition 
of  a  rejected  applicant,  within  a  less  period  than  twelve  months, 
the  sum  of  Five  Dollars : 

6th.  For  a  diploma  of  any  kind,  (except  when  issued  for  the 
widow  or  children  of  a  deceased  brother,)  the  sum  of  Three  Dollars  : 
and 

7th.  For  every  certificate  (except those  hereinbefore  named) 
requiring  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  sum  of   Three  Dollars. 

Sec.  4.  He  may,  with  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Master, 
appoint  an  Assistant  Grand  Secretary,  for  whose  official  acts  he 
shall  be  responsible,  and  who  shall  be  considered  an  appointed 
officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  receive  such  compensation 
for  his  services  as  it  may  direct. 

ARTICLE  V. 

OF  THE  APPOINTED  GRAND  OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Chaplain,  during 
each  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  perform  such  services, 
appertaining  to  his  office,  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Orator,  at  each  Annual 
Communication,  to  deliver  an  address  to  the  Grand  Lodge  upon 
matters  appertaining  to  the  Craft. 

Sec.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Marshal — 

1st.  To  proclaim  the  Grand  Officers  at  their  installation,  and 
to  make  such  other  proclamations  as  by  the  Grand  Master  may  be 
directed : 

2d.  To  introduce  the  Representatives  of  other  Grand  Lodges, 
and  all  visiting  brethren  of  distinction :   and 

3d.  To  conduct  all  processions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Grand  Master,  and  to  perform  such  other  duties, 
proper  to  his  office,  as  may  be  required. 

Sec.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Standard  Bearer  to 
bear  the  Banner  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  all  processions  and  at  all 
public  ceremonies. 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEVADA.  21 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Sword  Bearer  to 
attend  upon  the  Grand  Master,  and  bear  the  Sword  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  in  all  processions  and  at  all  public  ceremonies. 

Sec.  6.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Bible  Bearer  to  bear 
the  Holy  Writings  in  all  processions  and  at  all  public  ceremonies. 

Sec.  7.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Deacons  to  assist 
the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Wardens  in  such  manner  as  the  ancient 
usages  of  the  Craft  prescribe. 

Sec.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Stewards  to  superin- 
tend the  preparations  for  all  festive  occasions  directed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

Sec.  9.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Organist  to  preside 
at  the  organ  at  the  opening  and  closing  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to 
conduct  its  music  upon  all  occasions  of  ceremony,   when  required. 

Sec.  10.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Pursuivant — 

1st.  To  guard  the  inner  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  com- 
municate with  the  Grand  Tyler  without : 

2d.  To  announce  all  applicants  for  admission  by  their  names 
and  proper  Masonic  titles,  and  see  that  all  who  enter  wear  the 
jewel  and  clothing  proper  to  their  rank  :  and 

3d.  To  allow  none  to  withdraw  who  have  not  obtained  permis- 
sion to  do  so  from  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.   11.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Tyler— 

1st.  To  guard  the  outer  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  com- 
municate with  the  Grand  Pursuivant  within : 

2d.  To  report  all  applicants  for  admission  to  the  Grand  Pur- 
suivant, and  see  that  all  who  enter  are  duly  authorized  and  properly 
clothed : 

3d.  To  make  suitable  preparations  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  at  all  its  Communications,  and  see  that  its  hall  is 
kept  in  proper  condition  during  their  continuance  : 

4th.  To  take  charge  of  and  safely  keep  the  jewels,  furniture, 
clothing,  and  paraphernalia  of  the  Grand  Lodge  during  its  Com- 
munications :  and 

5th.  To  carry  all  notices  and  summonses,  and  perform  such 
other  duties  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or 
Grand  Master. 

Sec.  12.  The  Grand  Tyler  shall  receive  for  his  services  such 
compensation  as  th6  Grand  Lodge  may  direct. 


PART   III. 

Oj  Subordinate  Lodges, 

ARTICLE  I. 

OF    THE    ORGANIZATION    OF    A    LODGE. 

Section  1.     A  Lodge  can  only  be  formed  by  authority  of  a 


22  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE 

dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master,  or  of  a  charter  from  the 
Grand  Lodge  ;  and  no  charter  shall  be  granted  to  any  Lodge  until 
it  shall  have  worked  a  time  under  dispensation,  and  shall  have  ex- 
hibited to  the  Grand  Lodge  satisfactory  evidence  of  its  Masonic 
capability. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  petition  of  seven  or  more  Master  Masons 
being  presented  to  the  Grand  Master,  in  the  form  prescribed  in 
Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  he  may  grant  them  a  dispensation  to  open  and 
hold  a  Lodge  at  the  place  therein  to  be  named,  with  power  to  make 
Masons  and  receive  members  by  affiliation ;  and  he  shall  therein 
appoint  the  Master  and  Wardens  of  the  new  Lodge.  But  in  no  case 
shall  such  dispensation  be  issued,  unless  the  petition  be  accompanied 
by  a  recommendation  from  the  nearest  or  most  convenient  chartered 
Lodge,  (if  from  a  town  or  city  where  more  than  one  Lodge  exists, 
then  from  a  majority  of  such  lodges,)  setting  forth,  in  the  form 
prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  that  the  petitioners  are  all 
Master  Masons  in  good  standing,  that  the  establishment  of  the 
new  Lodge  is  of  manifest  propriety  and  will  conduce  to  the  good  of 
the  Order,  and  that  a  safe  and  suitable  Lodge  room  has  been  pro- 
vided therefor  ;  nor  unless  the  petition  shall  also  be  accompanied 
by  a  certificate  of  withdrawal  of  each  petitioner  from  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  was  last  a  member,  and  by  a  certificate  from  a  Master, 
whom  the  Grand  Master  is  satisfied  is  well  skilled  in  the  craft,  de- 
claring that  the  Master  proposed  in  such  petition  is  fully  competent 
properly  to  confer  the  three  degrees  of  Masonry,  and  to  deliver  entire 
the  lectures  thereunto  appertaining.  Such  dispensation  shall  termi- 
nate upon  the  first  day  of  the  month  in  which  the  next  succeeding 
Annual  Grand  Communication  shall  be  holden  ;  and  shall  then  be 
returned  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  together  with  the  by-laws,  book 
of  records,  and  returns  of  the  new  Lodge  to  that  date. 

Sec.  3.  Upon  the  return  of  the  dispensation  of  a  new  Lodge, 
as  above,  with  a  petition  for  a  charter,  in  the  form  prescribed  in 
Art.  Ill,  Part  VII,  if  an  examination  of  its  work  and  proceedings 
shall  prove  satisfactory,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  order  the  issue  of  a 
charter  to  such  Lodge,  and  assign  it  such  name  and  number  on  the 
registry  as  shall  be  deemed  proper  :  and  such  Lodge  shall  be  duly 
constituted  within  sixty  days  thereafter,  or  its  charter  shall  be 
forfeited.  If  the  examination  be  not  satisfactory,  the  petition  may 
be  totally  refused,  or  a  continuance  of  the  dispensation,  until  the 
next  Annual  Grand  Communication,  may  be  ordered ;  but  no  such 
continuance  shall  be  granted  a  second  time. 

Sec.  4.  A  Lodge  shall  consist  of  a  Master,  a  Senior  Warden, 
a  Junior  Warden,  a  Treasurer,  a  Secretary,  a  Senior  Deacon,  a 
Junior  Deacon,  a  Tyler,  and  such  other  officers  as  its  by-laws  may 
provide ;  together  with  as  many  members  as  it  may  find  convenient. 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEVADA.  23 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF    THE    POWERS    AND   DUTIES    OF    A    LODGE. 

Section  1.  The  powers  and  duties  of  a  Lodge  are  such  as  are 
prescribed  in  its  dispensation  or  charter,  by  the  Constitution  and 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  by  the  general  regulations  of 
Masonry :  and  they  are  defined  as  follows  : — 

1st.  Executive — In  the  direction  and  performance  of  its  work, 
as  prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  under  the  control  of  the  Master; 
and  in  all  other  matters,  in  aid  of  the  Master,  who  is  the  primary 
executive  authority  of  the  Lodge : 

2d.  Legislative — Including  all  matters  of  legislation  relative 
to  its  internal  concerns,  which  shall  not  be  in  violation  of  the 
general  regulations  of  Masonry,  the  Constitution  or  Regulations  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  or  its  own  particular  by-laws  :  and 

3d.  Judicial — Embracing  the  exercise  of  discipline  over  its 
own  members  (except  the  Master)  and  all  other  Masons  within  its 
jurisdiction,  and  the  settlement  of  controversies  between  them ; 
subject  always  to  a  revision  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  upon  appeal. 

Sec.  2.  Each  Lodge  shall  have  not  more  than  one  stated  Com- 
munication in  each  lunar  month,  but  may  hold  such  other  communi- 
cations as  it  may  determine,  or  the  Master  shall  direct ;  but  no  busi- 
ness of  any  kind,  except  collections  or  appropriations  for  charity, 
conferring  of  degrees,  ceremonial  observances,  election  of  Represen- 
tatives to  the  communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  balloting  for 
commissioners  to  try  charges  ofunmasonic  conduct,  shall  be  done  at 
any  other  than  a  stated  communication,  unless  by  dispensation  from 
the  Grand  Master,  as  provided  in  Sec.  1 ,  Art.  I,  Part  II.  And  all  busi- 
ness, except  the  examination  of  candidates  and  conferring  of  the 
subordinate  degrees,  shall  be  done  in  a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons. 

Sec.  3.  Each  chartered  and  duly  constituted  Lodge  shall  be 
represented  in  the  Grand  Lodge  at  every  communication,  by  one  or 
more  of  its  proper  officers,  or  by  a  representative  duly  elected  as 
provided  in  Art.  II,  Part  VII,  which  representative  shall  have 
credentials  in  the  form  provided  in  Art.  III.  Part  VII. 

Sec.  4.  Each  chartered  Lodge  shall  transmit  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  a  full  and  correct  return  of  its  transactions  for  the  twelve 
months  next  preceding  the  fifteenth  day  of  August,  in  each  year, 
within  fifteen  days  thereafter,  in  the  form  provided  in  Art.  Ill, 
Part  VII :  and  each  Lodge  under  dispensation  shall  transmit  a  similar 
return  from  the  date  of  its  origanization  to  the  first  day  of  October 
in  each  year,  witliout  delay;  and  every  Lodge  shall  accompany  such 
return  with  payment  of  its  dues  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  those 
periods,  as  prescribed  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  VIIF,  Part  I. 

Sec.  5.  Each  Lodge  shall  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary  a 
copy  of  its  by-laws,  as  soon  as  adopted  ;  but  no  such  by-laws,  nor 
any  subsequent  amendment  thereunto,  shall  be  deemed  valid  until 


24  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE 


approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  though  they  may  be  acted  under 
until  the  next  Annual  Communication,  if  approved  by  the  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  6.  Each  chartered  Lodge  shall,  within  two  months  from 
the  date  of  its  charter,  provide  a  suitable  seal,  bearing  such  devices 
as  may  be  deemed  proper,  and  having  inscribed  thereon  the  name 
and  number  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  place  of  its  location  ;  and  all 
documents  or  papers  of  every  kind  whatsoever,  emanating  from 
such  Lodge,  or  from  its  Master  or  Secretary,  in  his  official  capacity, 
shall  bear  the  impress  of  such  seal,  or  be  considered  null  and  of  no 
effect. 

Sec.  7.  Each  Lodge  shall  have  all  official  communications  from 
the  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Secretary  read  in  open  Lodge  at  the 
stated  communication  next  following  their  receipt. 

Sec.  8.  Each  Lodge  shall  provide  the  several  books  prescribed 
in  Sec.  2,  Art.  V,  Part  IV,  to  be  kept  by  its  Secretary,  which  slialj 
be  prepared  in  accordance  with  forms  to  be  provided. 

Sec.  9.  Each  Lodge  may  provide,  in  such  manner  as  it  may 
deem  proper,  for  the  payment  of  its  officers  or  representatives  in 
attending  the  communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  10.  For  the  neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty  imposed 
upon  a  Lodge  in  this  Constitution,  its  charter  may  be  suspended  or 
forfeited ;  and  for  the  neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty  herein  im- 
posed upon  a  Secretary,  his  Lodge  shall  be  held  responsible. 

ARTICLE  III. 

OF      PROHIBITIONS. 

Section  1.  No  Lodge  shall  remove  its  place  of  meeting  from 
that  named  in  its  dispensation  or  charter,  unless  notice  shall  have 
been  given  at  a  stated  communication  that  a  resolution  for  such 
removal  will  be  offered  at  the  next  succeeding  one,  nor  unless  such 
resolution  shall  have  been  adopted  by  the  votes  of  at  least  two- 
thirds'of  the  members  present  at  such  succeeding  communication; 
nor  shall  such  removal  then  take  place  until  the  action  of  the 
Lodge  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  2.  No  Lodge  in  this  State  shall  receive  an  application  for 
the  degrees  of  Masonry  unless  the  applicant  shall  have  been  a  resi- 
dent within  the  State  during  twelve  months,  and  within  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Lodge  during  six  months,  next  preceding  the  date 
of  his  application.  Nor  shall  any  Lodge  receive  such  application 
from  any  person,  who,  within  twelve  months  next  preceding,  shall 
have  been  rejected  by  any  Lodge,  unless  by  dispensation  from  the 
Grand  Master,  as  provided  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  II.  All  such 
applications,  as  well  as  those  for  affiliation,  shall  be  in   writing, 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEVADA.  26 

signed  by  the  applicant,  and  recommended  by  at  least  two  members 
of  the  Lodge,  in  the  forms  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII. 

Sec.  3.  No  Lodge  shall  ballot  upon  such  application,  (ex- 
cept by  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master,  as  provided  in 
Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  Part  II,)  until  it  shall  have  been  referred  to  a 
committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  make  strict  examination  into 
the  moral,  mental,  and  physical  qualifications  of  the  applicant, 
and  to  report  thereon  at  the  next  stated  meeting,  unless  further 
•  time  be  granted.  No  application  shall  be  withdrawn  after  reference 
to  a  committee,  and  it  shall  require  an  unanimous  ballot  to  elect. 
But  if  one  black  ball,  only,  appear  in  the  ballot  box,  the  Master 
without  declaring  the  result,  muy  at  once  order  a  second  ballot  for 
the  purpose  of  correcting  a  possible  mistake. 

Sec.  4.  No  dispensation  shall  be  issued  to  a  Lodge  to  ballot 
.for  and  confer  the  degrees  upon  a  candidate  without  reference  to  a 
committee,  as  provided  in  the  preceding  section,  nor  to  receive  and 
act  upon  the  petition  of  a  rejected  applicant  within  less  than  twelve 
months  after  the  date  of  such  rejection,  unless  the  application  there- 
for be  made  by  the  Lodge,  by  a  unanimous  vote  ;  and  of  the  special 
communication  to  be  holden  under  such  dispensation,  and  the  purpose 
thereof,  the  members  of  the  Lodge  shall  have  due  notice. 

Sec.  5.  No  Lodge,  unless  it  be  otherwise  provided  in  its  by- 
laws, shall  have  more  than  one  ballot  for  the  three  degrees  ;  but, 
though  an  applicant  may  be  elected  to  receive  them,  if,  at  any  time 
before  his  initiation,  objection  be  made  by  any  member,  he  shall 
not  receive  the  degree  until  such  objection  shall  have  been  with- 
drawn ;  and  if,  after  his  initiation,  but  before  being  passed,  or 
after  passing,  before  being  raised,  objection  to  his  advancement  be 
made  by  any  member,  such  objection  shall  be  referred  to  a  com- 
mittee, with  power  to  inquire  into  the  cause  thereof,  who  shall  at 
the  next  stated  communication,  (unless  further  time  be  given,)  re- 
port thereon  ;  and  upon  the  reception  of  such  report,  if  no  cause  for 
the  objection  has  been  assigned,  or  if  the  cause  assigned  be,  in  the 
opinion  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  not  a  valid  and 
Masonic  one,  the  Lodge  may  confer  the  degree  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  if  no  objection  had  been  made. 

Sec.  6.  No  Lodge  shall  advance  an  Entered  Apprentice  or  a 
Fellow  Craft  to  a  higher  degree  until,  after  a  strict  examination  in 
open  Lodge,  he  shall  have  given  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  is 
entirely  proficient  and  well  qualified  in  that  or  those  which  he  has 
already  taken  ;  and  no  Entered  Apprentice  or  Fellow  Craft  shall  be 
advanced  to  a  higher  degree  in  any  Lodge  other  than  that  in  which 
he  shall  have  received  those,  or  either  of  those  degrees,  unless  by 
the  official  consent  of  such  Lodge,  if  it  then  be  in  existence. 

Sec.  7.  No  Lodge  within  this  State  shall  confer  the  three 
degrees  for  a  less  fee  than  fifty  dollars  ;  nor  shall  any  Lodge  with- 
out the  State,  and  under  this  jurisdiction,  confer  them  for  a  less 
fee  than  thirty  dollars  ;  and  in   every  case  the  fee  for  each  or  all  of 


26  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

the  degrees,  as  may  be  regulated  by  the  Lodge,  shall  accompany 
the  application. 

Sec.  8.  No  Lodge  shall  confer  degrees,  upon  more  than  five 
candidates  at  any  one  communication  ;  nor  shall  confer  more  than 
one  degree  upon  any  one  candidate  at  any  communication  ;  nor  shall 
confer  either  of  the  degrees  upon  more  than  one  candidate  at  a  time. 

Sec.  9.  No  Lodge  shall  expel  a  member  for  the  non-payment 
of  his  dues  ;  but  in  case  any  member  shall  have  refused  or  neglected 
to  pay  his  regular  dues  during  a  period  of  six  months,  he  shall  be 
notified  by  the  Secretary  that,  unless  at  the  next  stated  communi- 
cation, either  his  dues  be  paid,  or  sickness  or  inability  to  pay  be 
shown  as  the  cause  of  such  refusal  or  neglect,  he  will  be  suspended 
from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry.  If  neither  of  these 
things  be  done,  he  shall  be  so  suspended,  unless  for  special  reasons 
shown,  the  Lodge  may  otherwise  determine ;  but  any  Mason  thus 
suspended,  who  shall  at  any  time  pay  the  arrearages  due  at  the 
time  of  his  suspension,  together  with  such  further  dues  as  would, 
had  he  retained  his  membership,  have  accrued  against  him  to  the 
date  of  such  payment,  shall  by  that  act  be  restored. 

Sec.  10.  No  Lodge  shall  receive  lectures  from  any  person  who 
is  not  duly  authorized  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  11.  No  Lodge  shall  receive  an  application  for  affiliation 
unless  it  be  accompanied  by  a  proper  dimitfrom  the  Lodge  of  which 
the  applicant  was  last  a  member,  or  a  satisfactory  explanation,  in 
writing,  of  his  inability  to  furnish  such  dimit. 

Sec.  12.  No  Lodge  shall  hold  Masonic  communication  with 
any  Lodge  which  has  been  declared  illegal  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or 
with  any  person  who  has  received  degrees  in,  or  is  a  member  of 
such  a  Lodge. 

Sec.  13.  No  Lodge  shall  admit  a  visitor  without  due  inquiry 
or  examination,  nor  if  there  be,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Master,  a 
valid  objection  made  to  such  admission  by  a  member  of  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  14.  No  Lodge  which  shall  have  failed  to  make  its  annual 
returns,  as  provided  in  Sec.  4,  Art.  II,  Part  HI,  and  in  Sec.  1,  Art. 
V,  Part  IV.  shall  be  entitled  to  representation  at  the  next  Grand 
Communication. 

Sec.  15.  No  Lodge,  until  chartered  and  duly  constituted,  shall 
be  entitled  to  representation  in  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  but  a  Lodge 
under  dispensation  may  send  delegates  thereto,  who  may  be  ad- 
mitted to  seats  and  be  permitted  to  speak,  but  shall  have  no  vote. 

ARTICLE   IV. 

OF  THE  DISSOLUTION  OF  LODGES. 

Section  1.     A  Lodge  may  be  dissolved — 

1st.  By  the  voluntary  surrender  of  its  charter,  when  such 
surrender  shall  have  been  accepted  by  the  Grand  Lodge:  and 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  27 

2d.     By  the  revocation  of  its  charter  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  The  charter  of  a  Lodge  may  be  surrendered  if  notice 
shall  be  given  at  a  stated  communication  that  a  resolution  to  that 
effect  will  be  presented  at  the  next  succeeding  one,  and  if,  at  such 
succeeding  communication,  there  shall  not  be  se-ven  members  pre- 
sent who  oppose  such  resolution  ;  but  no  such  act  of  surrender  shall 
be  considered  final  until  it  shall  have  been  approved  and  accepted 
by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.     The  charter  of  a  Lodge  may  be  forfeited — 

1st.  By  disobedience  of  any  provision  of  the  constitution  or 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  : 

2d.     By  disregard  of  the  lawful  authority  of  the  Grand  Master: 

3d.  By  violation  or  neglect  of  the  ancient  and  recognized 
usages  of  the  Craft :  or 

4th.  By  failure  to  meet  during  a  period  of  six  successive 
months.  But  no  charter  shall  be  forfeited  unless  charges  against 
the  Lodge  shall  have  been  presented  to  and  investigated  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  of  which  charges  the  Lodge  accused  shall  have  had 
due  notice  ;  though  the  same  may  be  arrested  until  the  next  Annual 
Grand  Communication  either  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  the  Grand 
Master,  upon  satisfactory  reasons  therefor  being  shown. 

Sec.  4.  The  forfeiture  or  arrest  of  the  charter  of  a  Lodge 
involves  the  suspension  of  all  its  members  from  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  Masonry,  excepting  those  who  may  be  specially 
exempted  from  such  effect. 

Sec.  5.  The  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  the  charter  of  a  Lodge, 
when  declared  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  conclusive  upon  the 
Lodge  and  its  members  ;  and  all  its  funds,  jewels,  furniture,  dues, 
and  property  of  every  kind  shall  be  disposed  of,  as  provided  in 
Sec.  5,  Art.  VIII,  Part  I. 


PART  IV. 

Of  the   Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges, 


ARTICLE  I. 

or  elections  and  appointments. 

Section  1.  The  Master,  Wardens,  Treasurer,  and  Secretary  of 
each  Lodge  shall  be  elected  annually,  by  ballot,  at  the  stated  commu- 
nication next  preceding  the  anniversary  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist ; 
and  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  members  present  shall  be  neces- 
rary  to  elect.  They  shall  be  installed  as  soon  as  practicable 
thereafter,  and  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  until  their  succes- 
sors shall  have  been  duly  elected  and  installed. 


28  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE 

Sec.  2.  In  case  any  Lodge  shall  fail  to  hold  such  election  at 
the  time  above  named,  upon  good  cause  being  shown  therefor,  the 
Grand  Master  may  issue  a  dispensation  to  hold  such  election  at 
another  time ;  and  in  case  a  vacancy  shall  at  any  time  occur  in 
either  of  the  offices  of  Master  or  Warden  in  any  Lodge,  upon  proper 
representation  of  the  necessity  therefor,  the  Grand  Master  may 
issue  a  dispensation  for  an  election  to  fill  such  vacancy.  But  in 
either  of  these  cases,  such  dispensation  shall  be  issued  only  upon 
the  application  of  the  Lodge,  setting  forth  the  reasons  therefor,  to 
be  approved  by  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  at  a  stated 
communication,  and  to  be  properly  certified  by  the  Secretary  ;  and 
of  the  special  election  which  may  thus  be  ordered,  the  members 
shall  have  due  notice. 

Sec.  3.  Every  member  in  good  standing,  and  whose  dues  are 
paid,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  vote  at  all  elections  ;  and  every  voter 
shall  be  eligible  to  any  office  in  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  4.  The  Deacons,  Tyler,  and  such  other  subordinate 
officers  as  the  by-laVs  of  each  Lodge  may  designate,  shall  be  appoint- 
ed in  such  manner  as  they  may  direct  :  and  the  officers  so  appointed 
shall  be  properly  invested  as  soon  as  practicable  after  their  appoint- 
ment. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF     THE     MASTER. 

Section  1.     The  Master  shall  have  power — 

1st.  To  congregate  his  Lodge  whenever  he  shall  deem  it 
proper : 

2d.  To  issue  or  casue  to  be  issued,  all  summonses  and  notices 
which  may  be  required: 

3d.     To  discharge  all  the  executive  functions  of  his  Lodge:  and 

4th.     To  perform  all  such  other  acts,  by  ancient  usage  proper 
to  his  office,  as  shall  not  be  in  contravention  of  any  provision  of 
the  Constitution  or  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
.    Sec.  2.     It  shall  be  his  duty — 

1st.     To  preside  at  all  communications  of  his  Lodge  : 

2d.  To  confer  all  degrees  in  strict  accordance  with  the  ritual 
which  may  hereafter  be  ordained  by  the  Grand  Lodge : 

3d.  To  give,  in  full,  the  lectures  appertaining  to  each  degree, 
at  the  time  it  is  conferred,  in  accordance  with  such  ritual  : 

4th.  To  superintend  the  official  acts  of  all  the  officers  of  his 
Lodge,  and  see  that  their  respective  duties  are  prqperly  discharged  : 
and 

5th.  To  carefully  guard  against  any  infraction,  by  the  mem- 
bers of  his  Lodge,  of  its  own  by-laws,  of  the  Constitution  or  Regu- 
lations of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  of  the  general  regulations  of  Masonry. 

Sec.  3.  From  the  decisions  of  the  Master  there  shall  be  no 
appeal  to  the  Lodge ;  but  objections  to  such  decisions  may  be  laid 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  29 

before  the  Grand  Master,  and  by  him  be  dealt  with  in  the  manner 
provided  in  Art.  IT,  Part  VI. 

Sec.  4.  In  all  cases  of  a  tie  vote,  except  votes  by  ballot,  the 
Master,  in  addition  to  his  proper  vote,  may  have  the  casting  vote. 

Sec.  5.  For  the  neglect  or  violation  of  any  duty  imposed  by 
this  Constitution  upon  the  Master  of  a  Lodge,  he  shall  be  subject 
to  deprivation  of  office,  suspension  or  expulsion,  as  provided  in 
Art.  II,  Part  VI. 

ARTICLE  III. 

OF     THE     WARDENS. 

Section  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Wardens  to  assist  the 
Master  in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  and  to  discharge  all  those 
duties  which  ancient  usage  has  assigned  to  their  respective  stations. 

Sec.  2.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master,  the  Senior  Warden, 
(and  in  his  absence  also,  the  Junior  Warden,)  shall  succeed  to  and 
be  charged  with  all  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Master. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

OF     THE      TREASURER. 

Section  1.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer — 

1st.  To  receive  and  safely  keep  all  moneys  or  property  of 
every  kind  which  shall  be  placed  in  his  hands  by  order  of  the 
Lodge : 

2d.  To  disburse  or  transfer  the  same,  or  any  part  thereof, 
upon  the  order  of  the  Master,  duly  attested  by  the  Secretary  : 

3d.  To  keep  a  book  or  books  wherein  a  correct  account  of  his 
receipts  and  disbursements  shall  be  exhibited : 

4th.  To  present  a  statement  of  the  finances  of  the  Lodge 
whenever  required :  and 

5th.  To  perform  such  other  duties,  appertaining  to  his  office, 
as  the  by-laws  may  require,  or  the  Lodge  may  at  any  time  direct. 

ARTICLE  V. 

OF-    THE      SECRETARY. 

Section  1.     It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary* — 

1st.  To  record  all  the  proceedings  at  each  communication, 
which  it  is  proper  should  be  written,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Master  ;  and  to  submit  such  record  to  the  Lodge  at  its  next  stated 
communication  for  approval  or  correction : 

2d.  To  prepare  and  transmit  a  copy  of  such  record,  or  of  any 
part  thereof,  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  when  required : 

3d;  To  collect  and  receive  all  moneys  due  to  the  Lodge,  and 
pay  them  over  to  the  Treasurer  : 


30  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

4th.  To  keep  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  and  to  affix  the  same,  with 
his  attestation,  to  all  papers  issued  under  its  authority,  or  in 
obedience  to  the  requirements  of  the  Constitution  and  Regulations 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  : 

5th.  To  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  immediately  after 
each  election  and  installation  in  the  Lodge,  a  certificate  thereof,  in 
the  form  prescribed  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII  : 

6th.  To  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary  the  annual  return 
required  in- Sec.  4,  Art.  II,  Part  III,  in  the  form  provided  in  Art. 
Ill,  Part  VII :  and 

7th.  To  report  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  immediately  after  their 
occurrence,  all  rejections,  expulsions,  suspensions,  and  restorations, 
in  the  forms  provided  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VII. 

Sec.  2  He  shall  keep  the  following  books  of  the  Lodge,  in  such 
forms  as  may  be  provided: — 

1st.  A  Record  Book,  in  which  he  shall  record  all  the  transac- 
tions of  the  Lodge,  proper  to  be  written,  after  the  same  shall  have 
been  approved : 

2d.  A  Book  of  By-Laws,  for  the  signatures  of  the  members  in 
the  order  of  their  admission : 

3d.  A  Roll  Book,  in  which  he  shall  record,  upon  pages 
alphabetically  arranged,  the  names  of  all  belonging  to  the  Lodge  ; 
the  dates  of  their  initiation,  passing,  raising,  or  affiliation  ;  the 
name,  number,  and  location  of  the  Lodges  of  which  those  affiliated 
were  last  members  :  the  age  and  occupation  of  each  when  received  ; 
and  the  dates  of  their  withdrawal,  expulsion,  suspension,  death,  or 
restoration : 

4th.  A  Black  Book,  in  which  he  shall  record,  upon  pages 
alphabetically  arranged,  the  names  of  those  rejected,  expelled,  sus- 
pended, or  restored  by  any  of  the  Lodges,  so  far  as  he  shall 
receive  the  proper  notice  thereof:  and 

5th.  A  Register  to  be  kept  in>the  Tyler's  room,  in  which  all 
members  shall  record  their  names,  and  all.  visitors  shall  record 
their  names,  and  the  names,  numbers,  and  locations  of  their  respec- 
tive Lodges,  before  entering  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.  He  shall  also  keep  such  Account  Books  as  may  be 
necessary  to  present  clearly  the  account  of  each  member  with  the 
Lodge,  the  receipts  of  the  Secretary,  and  his  payments  to  the 
Treasurer ;  and  shall  preserve  the  Books  of  Constitutions  and  Regu- 
lations of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  may  from  time  to  time  be  pub- 
lished, together  with  all  the  printed  proceedings  thereof,  as  pro- 
mulgated by  its  order. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

OF    THE    APPOINTED    OFFICERS. 

Section  1.     The  Deacons,  Tyler,  and  other  appointed  officers, 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    xNEVADA.  31 

shall  perform  such  duties  consonant  with  the  usages  of  the  Craft 
and  appertaining  to  their  respective  offices,  as  may  be  required  by 
the  by-laws,  or  directed  by  the  Master. 


PART  Y. 
Of  Individual  Masons. 


ARTICLE  I. 

OF     MEMBERSHIP. 

Section.  1.     Membership  in  a  Lodge  may  be  acquired — 

1st.  By  having  regularly  received  the  degree  of  Master  Mason 
therein : 

2d.     By  having  been  duly  elected  for  affiliation  therewith  :  and 

3d.  By  having  been  named  in  a  dispensation  for  a  new  Lodge 
as  one  of  the  petitioners  therefor. 

Sec.  2.  No  Mason  shall  be  a  member  of  more  than  one  Lodge 
at  the  same  time. 

Sec.  3.     Membership  in  a  Lodge  can  only  be  terminated — 

1st.     By  the  dissolution  of  the  Lodge: 

2d.     By  voluntary  withdrawal  therefrom :   and 

3d.     By  death,  suspension,  or  expulsion. 

Sec.  4.  A  member  of  a  Lodge,  in^good  standing,  and  whose 
dues  are  paid,  may  withdraw  therefrom  at  any  time  by  giving 
notice  of  his  intention  so  to  do  at  a  stated  communication  ;  but  no 
recommendatory  certificate  shall  be  given  him,  except  by  a  vote  of 
a  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge  then  present. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF   DUTIES,    PROHIBITIONS,    AND    PENALTIES. 

Section  1.  It  is  the  duty  of  every  Master  Mason  to  be  a  Mem- 
ber of  some  Lodge ;  and  every  one  who,  having  resided  six  months 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge,  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  make 
application  so  to  be,  or  who  shall  not  have  regularly  contributed 
to  such  Lodge  an  amount  equivalent  to  its  regular  dues,  while  able 
so  to  do,  shall  be  deemed  unworthy  of  Masonic  consideration,  and 
.  shall  not  be  entitled  to,  nor  be  the  recipient  of,  any  of  the  rights, 
privileges,  or  charities  of  the  Order. 

Sec.  2.  No  member  of  a  Lodge  shall  be  required  to  divulge 
his  vote  upon  a  ballot  for  affiliation,  or  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry ; 
nor  assign  reasons  for  such  vote,  if  it  be  known. 

Sec.  3.     No  Mason  shall  hold  any  Masonic  intercourse  with  an 


32  CONSTITUTION    OF    OF    THE 

expelled  or  suspended  Mason,  with  an  illegal  Lodge,  with  any  per- 
son who  has  received  degrees  therein,  or  is  a  member  thereof,  nor 
with  any  Mason  not  acknowledged  as  such  by  this  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  4.  For  non-payment  of  his  dues,  a  member  may  be  sus- 
pended from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  in  the  man- 
ner provided  in  Sec.  9,  Art.  Ill,  Part  III. 

Sec.  5.  For  any  violation  of  the  Ancient  Landmarks  of  the 
Order,  of  the  Constitution  or  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  of 
the  by-laws  of  his  Lodge,  or  of  any  portion  of  the  Masonic  or 
moral  law,  a  member,  or  any  other  Mason  within  the  jurisdiction 
of  a  Lodge,  may  be  reprimanded,  suspended,  or  expelled,  in  the 
manner  provided  in  Art.  Ill,  Part  VI. 


PART   YI. 

Of  Trials^  Appeals^  and   Penalties. 


ARTICLE  I. 

BELATIVB    TO    MASTERS    OF    LODGES. 

Section  1.  Charges  may  be  preferred  against  the  Master  of  a 
Lodge  for  abuse  of  his  power,  violation  of  the  Constitution  or 
Regulations,  or  for  unmasonic  conduct  of  any  kind,  by  any  five 
Master  Masons  in  good  standing  ;  which  charges  shall  be  in  writing, 
over  their  signatures,  and  shall  be  presented  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
if  in  session,  or  to  the  Grand  Master  during  the  vacation. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges,  the  Grand 
Lodge,  or  the  Grand  Master,  as  the  case  may  be,  may  at  once  ap- 
point and  summon  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  seven  disin- 
terested Masters,  to  assemble  as  Commissioners  to  hear  and  deter- 
mine thereupon  ;  and  shall  then  summon  the  accused  to  appear  and 
answer  thereunto,  at  such  time  and  place  most  convenient  for  the 
parties  as  shall  be  indicated  in  said  summons  ;'  giving  him,  if  with- 
in the  jurisdiction  of  his  Lodge,  at  least  ten  days — if  without  that 
jurisdiction  and  within  the  State,  at  least  thirty  days — and  if  with- 
out the  State,  at  least  ninety  days — to  answer  thereunto ;  and  trans- 
mitting to  him  also  a  copy  of  the  charges. 

Sec.  3.  The  Commissioners,  thus  assembled,  shall  choose  one 
of  their  number  to  preside,  and  they,  or  any  of  them,  shall  have 
power  to  summon  witnesses  at  the  request  of  either  party.  The 
witnesses,  if  Masons,  shall  testify  upon  their  honor  as  such  ;  if  not, 
their  depositions  shall  be  taken,  in  writing,  before  an  officer  legally 
authorized  to  administer  oaths  ;  and,  in  such  case,  the  party  re- 
quiring such  depositions   shall  notify  the  other  of  the  time  and 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  66 

place  when  and  where  they  will  betaken,  that  he  may,  if  he  choose, 
be  present  thereat. 

Sec.  4.  The  Commissioners  may  adjourn  from  time  to  time,  at 
their  own  convenience,  or  for  good  cause  shown  by  either  party  ; 
provided  that  the  period  within  which  their  duties  shall  be  con- 
cluded, shall  not  exceed  ten  days,  unless,  for  sufficient  reasons,  the 
Grand  Master  shall  grant  them  further  time. 

Sec.  5.  The  opinion  of  a  majority  of  the  Commissioners  shall 
be  deemed  the  judgment  of  the  whole,  and  shall  be  conclusive, 
unless  an  appeal  be  taken  at  the  next  Annual  Communication 
of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  6.  The  penalties  which  may  be  inflicted  by  such  Com- 
missioners, may  be  either  deprivation  of  office,  suspension,  or  ex- 
pulsion, as  in  their  judgment  shall  seem  proper. 

Sec.  7.  The  Commissioners  shall  keep  a  complete  record  of 
their  proceedings  and  of  their  judgment,  and  shall  transmit  the 
same  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  at  the  conclusion  of  the  trial  ;  and  the 
judgment  shall  at  once  be  carried  into  effect  by  order  of  the  Grand 
Master. 

Sec.  8.  An  Appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  may  be  taken  at  its 
next  Annual  Grand  Communication,  by  either  party,  if  notice  there- 
of be  given  to  the  Grand  Secretary  within  thirty  days  after  the 
conclusion  of  the  trial. 

ARTICLE  II. 

RELATIVE    TO    LODGES    AND    MEMBERS    OF    DIFFERENT    LODGES. 

Section  1.  When  a  controversy  shall  arise  between  Lodges, 
or  between  a  Lodge  and  a  member  or  members  of  another  Lodge, 
charges  may  be  preferred  by  either  party,  if  in  good  standing  ; 
which  charges  shall  be  in  writing,  and  shall  be  presented  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master,  as  provided  in  Sec.  1,  Art.  I,  of  this 
Part. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges,  not  less  than 
five  nor  more  than  seven  Commissioners  shall  be  appointed  and  sum- 
moned, as  provided  in  Sec.  2,  Art,  I,  of  this  Part,  which  Commis- 
sioners shall  be  Masters  or  Wardens,  and  shall  be  selected  from  at 
least  three  different  Lodges  not  interested  in  the  controversy,  and 
most  convenient  to  the  parties  ;  and  the  accused  party  shall  be 
summoned,  with  such  time  to  answer  as  provided  in  the  section  and 
article  last  quoted. 

Sec.  3.  The  Commissioners  shall  have  power  to  proceed,  and 
shall  keep  a  record  of  their  proceedings  and  judgment  in  the  same 
manner  as  provided  in  Art.  I,  of  this  Part ;  and  tlie  penalties  which 
they  may  inflict  may  be  any  known  to  Masonic  usage,  or,  if  the  case 
be  one  not  involving  a  violation  of  Masonic  duty,  the  decision  may 
be  such  special  one  as  the  circumstances  shall,  in  their  judgment 
warrant. 


34  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE 

Sec.  4.  An  appfeal  may  be  taken  by  either  party  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  as  provided  in  Sec.  8,  Art.  I,  of  this  Part. 

ARTICLE  in. 

RELATIVE    TO    MASONS    INDIVIDUALLY. 

Section  1.  When  any  member  of  a  Lodge,  (except  its  Master 
or  the  Grand  Master,)  or  any  Mason  residing  within  its  jurisdic- 
tion, shall  be  accused  of  unmasonic  conduct,  charges  to  that  effect 
may  be  preferred  by  any  Master  Mason  in  good  standing ;  which 
charges  shall  be  in  writing,  over  his  signature,  and  shall  be  presented 
to  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  having  jurisdiction  thereof. 

Sec.  2.  Upon  the  presentation  of  such  charges,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Master,  by  due  notification,  to  call  a  special  com- 
munication of  his  Lodge,  as  soon  as  practicable,  and  there  cause  to 
be  elected,  by  ballot,  and  by  a  majority  of  those  present,  not  less 
than  seven  nor  more  than  nine  of  its  members,  who  shall  assemble 
as  Commissioners,  to  hear  and  determine  thereupon,  at  such  time 
and  place,  convenient  to  the  parties,  as  he  shall  indicate;  and  he 
shall  also  summon  the  accused  to  appear  and  answer  thereunto  at 
such  time  and  place ;  and  shall,  at  the  same  time,  cause  the 
Secretary  to  furnish  him  with  a  copy  of  the  charges,  and  to  notify 
the  accuser  of  the  said  time  and  place  of  trial. 

Sec.  3.  If  the  accused  be  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge, 
the  summons  and  copy  of  the  charges  shall  be  issued  at  least  ten 
days  prior  to  the  day  appointed  for  the  trial,  and  shall  be  served 
personally  by  the  Tyler,  or  shall  be  left  at  his  ordinary  residence  or 
place  of  business.  If  he  be  without  the  said  jurisdiction,  but  within 
the  State,  and  his  residence  be  known,  they  shall  be  issued  at  least 
thirty  days  before  the  day  of  trial,  and  shall  be  forwarded  to  his 
address  by  the  Secretary,  by  mail  or  other  usual  mode  of  convey- 
ance, which  shall  be  deemed  sufficient  service.  If  he  be  without 
the  State,  and  his  residence  be  known,  they  shall  be  issued  at  least 
ninety  days  before  the  trial,  and  shall  be  forwarded  to  his  address 
by  the  Secretary,  as  before  provided,  which  shall  be  sufficient  ser- 
vice. If  his  address  is  unknown,  the  Master  shall  allow  the  trial 
to  proceed  at  once  upon  the  testimony,  ex  parte. 

Sec.  4.  The  Commissioners  shall  assemble  at  the  time  and 
place  appointed,  and  shall  be  presided  over  by  the  Master  of  the 
Lodge,  who  shall  decide  all  questions  of  Masonic  law,  which  may 
arise  during  the  trial,  but  shall  not  have  a  vote  in  the  final  decision 
of  the  case  by  the  Commissioners  ;  and  the  Secretary,  by  order  of 
the  Master,  shall  attend  them  to  keep  a  full  and  correct  record  of 
the  proceedings,  testimony,  and  of  the  judgment,  under  their  super- 
vision. 

Sec.  5.  The  Master  shall  summon  such  witnesses,  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  his  Lodge,  as  may  be  desired  by  either  party,  and 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NKVADA.  35 

the  accused  may  select  any  brother  in  good  standing  to  assist  him  in 
his  defence.  The  witnesses,  if  Masons,  shall  testify  on  their  honor 
as  such  ;  if  not,  their  depositions  shall  be  taken  in  writing,  before 
an  officer  legally  authorized  to  administer  oaths,  and  in  such  case, 
the  party  requiring  such  depositions  shall  notify  the  other  of  the 
time  and  place  when  and  where  they  will  be  taken,  that  he  may,  if 
he  choose,  be  present  thereat. 

Sec.  6.  The  Commissioners  may  adjourn  from  time  to  time,  at 
their  own  convenience,  or  for  sufficient  cause  shown  by  either  party  ; 
provided  that  the  period  within  which  their  duties  shall  be  con- 
cluded shall  not  exceed  ten  days,  unless  for  good  reasons  shown, 
the  Master  shall  grant  them  further  time. 

Sec.  7.  After  all  the  testimony  shall  have  been  received,  the 
Commissioners  shall  proceed  to  deliberate  upon  their  verdict  and 
sentence,  with  none  present  save  themselves  and  the  Secretary, 
which  last  shall  have  no  voice  in  the  proceedings.  The  judgment  of 
a  majority  of  the  Commissioners  shall  be  taken  as  the  decision  of 
the  whole  ;  and  when  the  trial  is  concluded,  the  Secretary  shall 
make  a  fair  copy  of  the  record  and  finding,  under  their  supervision, 
which  shall  be  signed  by  the  chairman  of  such  Commission,  and 
attested  by  the  Secretary,  and  shall  be  presented  to  the  Master,  who, 
at  the  next  communication  of  his  Lodge,  shall,  in  the  presence  of 
its  members  only,  announce  the  result,  and  direct  the  Secretary  to 
record  the  same  as  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge,  and  file  the  record 
for  safe  keeping  among  its  archives. 

Sec.  8.  The  penalties  which  may  be  inflicted  are  reprimand  in 
open  Lodge,  suspension,  or  expulsion.  If  the  sentence  be  repri- 
mand, the  Master  shall  summon  the  adjudged  to  appear  at  the  next 
stated  communication,  when  it  shall  be  carried  into  eff'ect,  in  tne 
presence  only  of  members  of  the  Lodge.  If  it  be  suspension  or  ex- 
pulsion, it  shall  at  once  go  into  effect,  and  the  Secretary  shall  im- 
mediately notify  the  Grand  Secretary  thereof;  and  it  shall  be  final 
and  conclusive,  unless  an  appeal  be  taken  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  9.  An  appeal  may  be  taken  to  the  Grand  Lodge  by  either 
party,  at  its  next  succeeding  Annual  Communication,  but  not  unless 
a  notice  of  such  intended  appeal  shall  be  given  to  the  Master  Avith- 
in  thirty  days  after  his  announcement  of  the  result  of  the  trial ;  and 
in  all  cases  of  expulsion  or  suspension,  the  Master  shall  cause  the 
Secretary  to  prepare  a  transcript  of  the  record  of  trial,  and  imme- 
diately transmit  it  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  together  with  informa- 
tion of  the  appeal  intended,  if  any  there  be. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

OF    REVISIONS    AND    RESTORATIONS. 

Section  1.  All  judgments  from  which  an  appeal  shall  be 
taken  as  hereinbefore  in  this  Part  provided,  shall  be  reviewed  in 


36  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

the  Grand  Lodge,  or  before  a  committee  thereof,  during  its  commu- 
nications, upon  the  record  sent  up,  and  upon  such  other  proper 
documents  as  may  be  submitted  ;  and  its  decision  shall  be  final  and 
conclusive. 

Sec.  2.  All  sentences  of  suspension  shall  be  for  an  indefinite 
period  ;  and  a  Lodge  may  at  any  stated  communication,  by  the  votes 
of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  annul  any  such  sentence  of 
suspension  pronounced  by  itself,  and  restore  the  Mason  thus  sus- 
pended to  all  his  Masonic  rights  ;  provided,  that  notice  of  a  resolu- 
tion for  such  restoration  shall  have  been  given  at  the  stated  com- 
munication next  preceding.  And  in  case  of  such  restoration,  the 
Secretary  shall  at  once  notify  the  Grand  Secretary  thereof. 

Sec.  3.  The  Grand  Lodge  may,  at  any  Annual  Grand  Commu- 
nication, if  good  cause  therefor  be  shown,  restore  a  Mason  who  has 
been  suspended  or  expelled  within  its  jurisdiction ;  but  such  restora- 
tion shall  not  restore  him  to  membership  in  the  Lodge  by  which  he 
was  suspended  or  expelled. 

Sec.  4.  No  suspension,  expulsion,  or  restoration  shall  be 
published  otherwise  than  as  hereinbefore  provided,  except  by 
authority  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  by  order  of  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  5.  When  it  is  the  intention  of  any  Lodge  to  take  measures 
to  apply  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  the  restoration  of  a  Mason  who 
has  been  expelled,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Master  thereof  to  notify 
the  members  of  his  Lodge,  as  far  as  possible,  of  the  time  when  such 
proposed  action  will  be  had;  and  cause  to  be  spread  upon  the 
minutes  of  the  communication  at  which  such  action  shall  be  had, 
the  fact  that  such  notification  was  duly  given. 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEVADA.        ^  ^  37 

PART  YII. 
Of  AmendmenU^  Definitions^  and  Forms. 


arttclp:  I. 

OF     AMENDMENTS. 

Section  1.  Any  proposed  amendment  to  this  Constitution  shall 
be  presented  at  an  Annual  Grand  Communication,  and  shall  in  all 
cases  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Jurisprudence,  who  shall 
report  before  a  vote  thereon  be  taken. 

Sec.  2.  After  the  report  of  said  committee,  if  the  vote  in  favor 
of  such  proposed  amendment  be  unanimous,  it  shall  be  declared 
adopted  ;  and  from  and  after  the  close  of  that  communication,  shall 
become  a  part  of  the  Constitution. 

Sec.  o.  If  the  vote  in  favor  of  such  proposed  amendment  be 
not  unanimous,  but  there  be  a  majority  therefor,  it  shall  lie  over 
for  one  year,  and  shall  be  published  with  the  proceedings,  under  the 
caption  of  "  Proposed  Amendments  to  the  Constitution  ;"  and  if,  at 
the  next  succeeding  Annual  Grand  Communication,  it  shall  receive 
two-thirds  of  the  votes  given  therein,  it  shall  be  declared  adopted, 
and  from  and  after  the  close  of  that  Communication,  shall  become  a 
part  of  the  Constitution. 

Sec.  4.  No  vote  upon  a  proposed  amendment  shall  be  taken 
after  the  election  of.  the  Grand  Officers. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF     DEFINITIONS. 

The  words  and  terms  used  in  this  Constitution  shall  bear  the 
construction  which  is  given  them  in  the  following  definitions  : — 

Grand  Master. — This  title  applies,  not  only  to  him  who  has 
been  elected  and  installed  as  Grand  Master,  but  to  either  of  the 
Grand  Officers  who,  under  the  provisions  of  Art.  II,  Part  II,  of  this 
Constitution,  shall  have  succeeded  to  the  powers  and  duties  of  the 
Grand  Master. 

Master. — This  title  applies,  not  only  to  him  who  has  been 
elected  and  installed  as  Master,  but  to  either  of  the  Wardens,  who 
under  the  provisions  of  Art.  Ill,  Part  IV,  of  this  Constitution,  shall 
have  succeeded  to  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  Master. 

Past  Grand  Officer. — This  title  applies  only  to  one  of  the  six 
elective  Grand  Officers  who  has  been  regularly  elected  and  installed, 
and  has  served  his  term  as  such  in  this  Grand  Lodge ;  and  who  re- 
mains a  member,  in  good  standing,  of  some  Lodge  under  its  juris- 
diction. 


38  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

Past  Master. — This  title  applies  only  to  one  who  has  been  re- 
gularly elected,  or  named  in  a  charter,  and  installed,  and  has  served 
a  term  as  Master  of  a  chartered  Lodge ;  and  who  is  a  member,  in 
good  standing,  of  a  subordinate  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction. 

Representative. — The  representative  of  a  Lodge  within  this 
State,  is  one  who,  being  a  member  thereof,  in  the  event  that  neither 
the  Master  nor  either  of  the  Wardens  can  be  present  at  the  Grand 
Lodge,  has  been  elected  by  the  Lodge,  at  a  stated  communication, 
.  or  at  a  special  communication  called  for  that  purpose,  by  ballot, 
and  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  present  to  represent  it  at  the  next 
Grand  Communication.  A  Lodge  without  the  State,  may  be  repre- 
sented by  a  member  of  any  Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction,  elected 
as  before. 

Vacancy. — Vacancies  in  office,  either  in  a  Lodge  or  in  the 
Grand  Lodge,  may  occur  by  death,  deprivation,  removal  from  the 
jurisdiction,  suspension  or  expulsion. 

Jurisdiction. — The  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  includes 
all  Lodges  and  Masons  within  the  Territorial  limits  of  this  State, 
and  all  Lodges  and  their  members  without  this  State,  acting  under 
its  authority. 

The  jurisdiction  of  a  Lodge  includes  all  Masons  residing  nearer 
to  its  place  of  meeting  than  to  that  of  any  other  Lodge  within  this 
State,  except  in  towns  or  cities  where  more  than  one  Lodge  exists  ; 
in  which  case,  each  of  such  Lodges  has  separate  jurisdiction  over 
its  own  members,  and  concurrent  jurisdiction  over  all  Masons  not 
members  of  one  of  such  Lodges,  who  reside  in  such  town  or  city, 
or  nearer  thereto  than  to  any  other  place  where  a  Lodge  exists. 

Regulation. — By  a  regulation  of  the  Grand  Lodge  is  meant  any 
resolution,  edict,  law,  or  ordinance  of  any  kind  whatever,  other 
than  the  Constitution,  which  it  may  adopt. 

Suspension. — The  suspension  of  a  Lodge  is  an  arrest  of  its 
charter,  and  a  temporary  prohibition  to  assemble  or  work  as  a  legal 
Lodge,  until  again  authorized  so  to  do  by  competent  authority ; 
and  the  act  suspends  all  its  members  except  those  especially  ex- 
empted from  its  effect. 

The  suspension  of  the  Master  of  a  Lodge  is  a  temporary  depri- 
vation of  his  office  and  prohibits  all  recognition  of  him  in  that 
capacity,  until  he  be  restored  by  competent  authority. 

The  suspension  of  a  Mason  is  a  temporary  deprivation  of  all 
his  rights  and  privileges  as  such,  and  prohibits  all  Masons  and 
Lodges  from  holding  any  Masonic  intercourse  whatever  with  4iim, 
until  he  shall  be  legally  restored  by  the  Lodge  which  suspended 
him,  or  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Expulsion. — The  expulsion  of  a  Mason  is  the  highest  penalty 
known  to  the  Masonic  law.  It  is  an  absolute  deprivation  of  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  Order,  and  prohibits  all  Masons  and 
Lodges  from  holding  any  Masonic  intercourse  with  him  forever, 
unless  he  be  restored  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEVADA.  89 

Notification. — A  notification  is  a  call  issued  by  the  Secretary, 
by  order  of  the  Lodge  or  Master,  or  by  other  competent  authority 
as  hereinbefore  provided,  to  attend  for  some  specific  purpose  at  the 
time  and  place  therein  indicated ;  and  it  is  the  duty  of  every  Mason 
to  comply  with  its  direction,  if  hejcan,  without  great  inconvenience, 
do  so. 

Summons. — A  summons  is  an  imperative  order,  issued  by  the 
Master,  or  by  other  competent  authority  as  hereinbefore  provided, 
to  appear  at  such  time  and  place  as  may  therein  be  designated. 
The  obligation  to  obey  it  is  absolute,  and  the  penalty  for  disobedi- 
ence shall  be  expulsion,  unless  it  shall  be  shown  that  such 
disobedience  was  unavoidable,  or  was  occasioned  by  some  pressing 
necessity. 

Stated  Communications.  —  The  stated  communication  of  a 
Lodge  is  the  one  only  communication  in  each  lunar  month,  at  which 
busines  may  be  done,  with  the  exceptions  specified  in  Sec.  2,  Art. 
II,  Part  III.  It  shall  be  designated  as  such  in  the  by-laws  of  each 
Lodge,  and  no  adjourned  or  called  communication  shall  ever  be 
considered  as  a  part  of  such  stated  communication. 

ARTICLE  III. 

OF    FORMS. 

Form  of  Certificate  for  a  Diploma. 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M.,  \ 

A.  L.  58...] 


To  the  Very  Worshipful , 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Nevada : — 

I  hereby  certify  that  Brother is  a  Master  Mason  and 

a  member  of  this  Lodge,  in  good  standing  ;  and  as  such  he  is  hereby 
recommended  for  a  Grand  Lodge  Diploma,  upon  payment  of  the 
usual  fees. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  Lodge  afore- 
[Seal.]       said,  at  the  date  above  written. 

; Secretary. 


Form  of  Certificate  for  a  Diploma  for  the  benefit  of  the  family  of  a 
deceased  Brother. 
Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M., 


i.  M.,\ 
A.  L.  58.../ 


To  the  Very  Worshipful 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Nevada : — 

I  hereby  certify  that  Brother ,  who  died  at , 

on  the day  of ,  A.  L.  58...,  was  at  the  date  of  his  decease, 


40  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE 

a  Master  Mason  and  a  member  of  this  Lodge,  in  good  standing ; 
and  that  he  left  [here  insert  *'  a  widow, ^''  '*  a  child,''''  or  *'  children,^''  or 
any  of  them,  as  the  case  may  be,)  for  whose  benefit  a  Grand  Lodge 
Diploma  is  desired. 

Given  by  order  of  the  Lodge  aforesaid,  at  the  date  first 

[Seal.]       above  written,  as  witness  my  hand  and  Seal  thereof. 

Secretary. 


Form  of  a  Petition  for  a  Dispensation  to  form  a  new  Lodge. 

To  the  Most  Worshipful 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  Nevada : — 
The  petition  of  the  undersigned  respectfully  represents  that 
they  are  Master  Masons  in  good  standing  ;  that  they  were  last 
members  of  the  respective  Lodges  named  opposite  their  several  sig- 
natures hereunto,  as  will  appear  from  the  dimits  of  each  of 
the  petitioners,  herewith  transmitted;  that  they  reside  in  or  near 

the of in  the  county  of. ,  in  the  State 

of  Nevada ;  that  among  them  are  a  sufiicient  number  of  brethren 
well  qualified  to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons,  and  to  discharge  all  its  various  duties  in  the  three  degrees 
of  Ancient  Masonry,  in  accordance  with  established  usage ;  and 
that,  having  the  prosperity  of  the  Craft  at  heart,  and  being  desirous 
to  use  their  best  endeavors  for  the  diffusion  of  its  beneficent  prin- 
ciples, they  pray  for  a  Dispensation  empowering  them  to  form,  open, 

and  hold  a  regular  Lodge  at  the of. ,  aforesaid,  to  be 

called Lodge. 

They   have  nominated,  and  respectfully   recommend   Brother 

as  the  first  Master,  Brother as  the  first  Senior 

Warden,  and  Brother as  the  first  Junior  Warden  of  the 

said  Lodge,  they  being  in  all  respects  competent  to  perform  all  the 
duties  of  the  several  stations  for  which  they  are  proposed;  and,  if 
the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  be  granted,  they  promise  in  all  things 
strict  obedience  to  the  commands  of  the  Grand  Master,  and  un- 
deviating  conformity  to  the  Constitution  and  Regulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge. 

Dated  at ,  on  the day  of A.  L.  58... 

Signatures.  Name  and  Ko.  of  Lodge.  State  or  County. 


Form  of  Recommendation  of  a  Petition  for  the  institution  of  a  New  Lodge. 

..,  F.  and  M 
.,  A.  L.,  58. 


.Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  M.,  ) 

■    '      -3...  f 


To  the  Most  Worshipful 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  Nevada: — 
At  a  stated  communication  of  this  Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above 


GRAND    LODGE    OF    NEVADA.  41 

written,  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted  : — 
"  Whereas,  a  petition  for  the  issue  af  a  Dispensation  to  form 

and  open  a  new  Lodge  at ,  in  the  county  of. , 

has   been   presented  to  this  Lodge  for  its  recommendation  ;    And 
Whereas,  it  is  known  to  this  Lodge  that" the  signers  to  said  petition, 

in  number,  are  all  Master  Masons  in  good  standing,  and  that  a 

safe  and  suitable  Lodge-room  has  been  provided  by  them  for  their 
meetings  ;  it  is 

*'  Resolved,  That   the  establishment  of  said  new    Lodge  is   of 
manifest  propriety,  and  will  conduce  to  the  good  of  the  Order  ;  and 
that  this  Lodge  recommends  to  the  Grand  Master  the  granting  of 
the  Dispensation  prayed  for  in  said  petition." 
A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
[Seal.]      affixed  the  Seal  of  the   Lodge   aforesaid,  at   the   date 
above  written. 

Secretary. 


Form  of  Certificate  of  the  qualifications  of  the  Master  proposed  in  a 
Petition  for  a  New  Lodge. 

To  the  Most  Worshipful 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  Nevada  : — 

The  petition  of brethren,  residing  at  the of ,  in 

the  county  of. .praying  the  Grand  Master  for  a  Dispensation 

to  open  and  hold  a  new  Lodge  at  said ,  to  be  called 

Lodge,  having  been  presented  to  me;  and  Brother being 

recommended    therein  for  nomination  as  the  first    Master  of  said 

proposed  new  Lodge;  now,  I Master  of Lodge, 

No ,  do  hereby  certify  that,  to  my  positive  knowledge,    said 

Brother is  fully  competent  properly  to  confer   the  three 

degrees  of  Masonry,  and  to  deliver  entire  the  several  lectures  there- 
unto appertaining. 

Given  at ,  in  the  county  of this...: day 

of ,  A.  L.  58. 

Master. 


Form  of  Petition  for  a  Charter. 

To  the  M.-.W. -.Grand  Lodge  of  Nevada:— 

The  undersigned   respectfully  represent  that   on  the day 

of ,  A.  L.  58...,  a  Dispensation  was  issued  by  the  Grand 

Master  for  the  formation  of  a  new  Lodge  at in  the  county 


42      .  CONSTITUTION    OF    THE 

of. ,  by  the  name  of..." Lodge  ;  that  on  the day 

of next  ensuing,  said  Lodge  was  opened  and  organized,  and 

has  since  continued  successfully  to  work  during  the  period  named 
in  said  Dispensation,  as  will  appear  from  its  records,  by-laws  and 
returns,  herewith  presented  ;  and  that  it  is  the  anxious  desire  of 
the  members  of  said  Lodge  that  its  existence   be  perpetuated. 

They  therefore  pray  that  a  charter  be  granted  to  said  Lodge,  by 

the  name  of Lodge,  with  such  number  as  the  usage  of 

the   Grand  Lodge  may  assign   it  ;   and   recommend  that   Brother 

be  named  therein  as  Master,  Brother as 

Senior  Warden,  and  Brother as  Junior  Warden; 

promising  as  heretofore,  strict  obedience  to  the  commands  of  the 
Grand  Master,  and  undeviating  conformity  to  the  Constitution  and 
Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Given  by  instruction  from,  and  on  behalf  of  said  Lodge,  at 

this day  of A.  L.,  58... 


,  [-Delegates. 


.Lodge  No ..F,  and  A.  M., 

A.  L.  58. 


Form  of  Credentials  as  Representatives  elected  by  a  Lodge. 

I:} 

To  the  M.-.W. -.Grand  Lodge  of  Nevada  : — 

This    is  to  certify  that  at  a Communication  of  this 

Lodge,  held  at  the  date  above  written,  it  having  been  made  known 
that  neither  the  Master  nor  either  of  the  Wardens  thereof  would  be 
entitled  to  attend  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  Annual  Communica- 
tion, Bro a  member    of. the  Lodge,  was,  by  ballot, 

duly  elected  to  serve  as  Representative  during  said  Grand  Communi- 
cation. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand 
[Seal.]         and  have  caused  the  Secretary  to  affix  the  Seal  of 
the  Lodge,  with  his  attestation,  at  the  date  above 
written. 

Master. 


.Secretary. 


Form  of  Petition  for  the  Degrees  of  Masonry. 
To  the  Worshipful  Master,  Wardens  and  members  of 

Lodge  No ,  F.  and  A.  M.  : — 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represents,  that,   unbiassed  by 


GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA.  43 

friends,  and  uninfluenced  by  mercenary  motives,  he  freely  and 
voluntarily  offers  himself  as  a  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of 
Masonry  ;  that  he  is  prompted  to  solicit  this  privilege  by  a  favor- 
able opinion  conceived  of  the  institution,  a  desire  for  knowledge, 
and  a  sincere  wish  to  be  serviceable  to  his  fellow  creatures  ;  that  he 
has  resided  in  the  State  of  Nevada  more  than  one  year,  and  at  the 
place  below  named  more  than  six  months  next  preceding  the  date 
hereof;  that  he  has  not,  within  twelve  months  past,  been  rejected  by 
any  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  ;  and  that  he  promises  if 
found  worthy,  to  conform  to  all  the  ancient  usages  and  regulations 
of  the  Fraternity. 

His  place  of  residence  is ,  his  age, years, 

and  his  occupation 

[Date,) ,  18 

[Signature^) 


Recommended  by  Bros.  ^  [To  he  Members  of  the  Lodge.) 


Form  of  Application  for  Membership. 

To  the  Worshipful  Master,  Wardens,  and  Brethren  of 

Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M.  : — 

The  undersigned  respectfully  represents,  that  he  is  a  Master 

Mason,  in  good  standing;  that  he  was  last  a  member  of 

Lodge,  No ..,  in  the of ,  from  which  he  has 

honorably  withdrawn,  as  by  the  accompanying  certificate  will 
appear,  and  that  he  now  desires,  if  found  worthy,  to  become  a  mem- 
ber of  your  Lodge. 

His  place  of  residence  is ,  his  age 

years,  and  his  occupation 

{Date,) A.  L.,  58... 

Signature , ) 


Recommended  by  Bros.  4  [To  be  Members ^f  the  Lodge.) 


Form  of  Certificate  of  the  election  and  installation  of  the  Officers  of  a 
Subordinate    Lodge. 


.Lodge,  No.......  F.  and  A.  M. 


nd  A.  M.  \ 

A.  L.  58.../ 


To  the  Very  Worshipful 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Nevada  : — 
I  hereby    certify    that,    at   the  stated  Communication   of  this 
Lodge,  held  on  the  day  above  written,  it  being  the  next  preceding 


44  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE  OF  NEVADA. 

the  anniversary  of  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  the  following   officers 
were  duly  elected  for  the  ensuing  Masonic  year,  viz : — 

Bro ,  Master. 

Bro ,  Sen.  Warden. 

Bro ,  Jun.  Warden. 

Bro ,  Treasurer. 

Bro ,  Secretary. 

And  that  on  the day  of. A.  L.  58...,  said  officers  were 

duly  installed  by  {here  give  the  name  and  Masonic  title  of  the  installing 
Officer. ) 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  Lodge,  on 
[Seal.]         the  day  last  above  written. 

...: Secretary. 


Form  of  Notice  of  Rejections^  Suspensions,  Expulsions,  and  Restorations. 

.  and  A.  M 
.A.  L.  58. 


.Lodge,  No ,  F.  and  A.  M.  \ 


To  the  Very  Worshipful 

Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Nevada : — 

I  hereby  certify  that,  at  a  stated  Communication  of  this  Lodge 

held  at  the  date  above  written,  the  petition  of ,  an 

applicant  for  the  degrees  of  Masonry  was  rejected. 

{Or,  Bro ,  after  due  notice,  as  prescribed  in  the 

Constitution,  was  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
Masonry,  for  non-payment  of  his  dues.) 

[Or,  Bro ,  after  due  trial  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed in  the  Constitution,  was  declared  to  be  suspended  from  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  for  unmasonic  conduct.) 

(Or,    Bro ,  after  due  trial,  in  the  manner 

prescribed  in  the  Constitution,  was  declared  to  be  expelled  from  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  of  Masonry,  for  unmasonic  conduct^ 

( Or,  Bro ,  heretofore  suspended  by  this  Lodge 

for  non-payment  of  his  dues,  having  paid  up  all  arrearages,  (or, 
having  had  his  dues  remitted  by  the  Lodge,)  as  provided  in  the 
Constitution,  resumed  his  rights  and  privileges  as  a  Mason  and  as 
a  member  of  this  Lodge.) 

{Or,  Bro ,  heretofore  suspended  by  this  Lodge 

for  unmasonic  conduct,  was,  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  in  the  manner 
prescribed  in  the  Constititution,  restored  to  all  his  rights  and 
privileges  as  a  Mason,  and  as  a  member  of  this  Lodge.) 

Given  under  my  hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  Lodge 
[Seal.]  aforesaid,  at  the  date  above  written. 

.....Secretary. 


General  Regulations, 

ADOPTED  JANUARY  18,   A.   L.   5865. 


1.  The  practice  of  duelling  being  repugnant  to  the  principles 
o-f  Freeasonry,  in  all  cases  where  two  brethren  resort  to  this  mode 
of  settling  their  disputes,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  or  Lodges 
of  which  they  are  members,  or  within  whose  jurisdiction  they  may 
reside,  forthwith  to  expel  them  from  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
Masonry  ;  and  no  brother  who  may  fall  in  a  duel  shall  be  buried 
with  Masonic  honors. 

2.  All  bodies  purporting  to  be  Masonic  Lodges,  held  in  the 
United  States  or  any  of  their  Territories,  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  any  State  or  Territory,  without  authority  from 
such  Grand  Lodge,  and  all  the  members  thereof,  are  declared  illegal. 

3.  All  Lodges  within  this  State,  having  concurrent  jurisdic- 
tion with  other  Lodges,  shall  immediately  notify  such  others  of  all 
applications  for  membership  or  initiation. 

4.  This  Grand  Lodge,  recognizing  the  principle  that  no  one 
should  be  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of  our  Order,  except  in  the 
Lodge  nearest  his  place  of  residence,  (unless  by  its  permission,) 
and,  while  it  takes  care  to  avoid  infringing  the  jurisdictional  rights 
of  others,  will  not  tolerate  that  its  own  be  invaded  ;  and  it  is  there- 
fore ordered  that  no  Lodge,  subordinate  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
Nevada,  shall  admit  to  membership  any  person  who,  being  at  the 
time  a  resident  of  this  State,  has  received,  or  claims  to  have  received 
the  degrees  of  Masonry  from  any  source  beyond  its  jurisdiction, 
without  the  proper  permission,  until  he  shall  have  paid  the  Lodge 
to  which  he  applies  for  membership,  the  full  amount  charged  by 
that  Lodge  for  conferring  the  degrees,  less  the  sum  paid  by  him  to 
the  Lodge  in  which  he  received  them. 

5.  All  Masonic  communication  between  the  Lodges  and  Masons 
of  this  jurisdiction  and  those  acknowledging  allegiance  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  Hamburg,  is  hereby  forbidden,  while  that  body 
shall  continue  its  unlawful  and  reprehensible  invasion  of  the  juris- 
dictional rights  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  New  York. 

6.  This  Grand  Lodge  recognizes  no  degree  of  Past  Master  con- 
ferred by  any  authority  not  holden  under  a  legitimate  Grand  Lodge 
— acknowledging  only  the  order  of  that  name  as  it  exists  in,  the 
ceremonies  attending  the  installation  of  the  Master  elect  of  a 
chartered  Lodge  ;  which  order  shall  be  conferred  only  by  a  convo- 
cation of  Present  or  Past  Masters,  not  less  than  three  in  number, 
who  have  thus  regularly  received  it. 


46  GENERAL    REGULATIONS. 

7.  No  Lodge  lender  this  jurisdiction,  shall  be  allowed  to  tran- 
sact business,  other  than  the  conferring  of  degrees,  with  a  less 
number  than  seven  members  present. 

8.  The  Grand  Secretary  is  authorized  to  charge  the  sum  of 
one  dollar,  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  for  each  copy  of  its 
printed  proceedings  for  the  current  year,  other  than  the  four 
copies  to  be  sent  to  each  subordinate  Lodge,  and  those  required 
for  transmission  abroad,  for  future  binding,  and  for  the  use  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  succeeding  Annual  Communication. 

9.  When  a  brother,  found  guilty  of  a  Masonic  offense  and 
sentenced  to  Jbe  reprimanded,  appeals  from  the  verdict  and 
sentence,  such  sentence  shall  not  be  carried  into  effect  until  the 
appeal  shall  have  been  disposed  of  by  the  Grand  Lodge, 

10.  The  names  of  entered  Apprentices  and  Fellow  Crafts  shall 
be  returned  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  two  years  only,  and  shall  there- 
after be  dropped  from  the  rolls  of  their  respective  Lodges. 

11.  Non-affiiliated  Masons,  who  are  suspended  by  opera- 
tion of  Sec.  1,  Art.  II,  Part  V,  of  the  Constitution,  if  they  desire 
to  restore  themselves  either  by  affiliation  or  contribution,  shall  pay 
a  sum  equal  to  six  months  dues,  in  addition  to  the  affiliation  fee,  or 
a  sum  equal  to  the  dues  of  the  Lodge,  for  all  the  time  they  have 
resided  in  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  unaffiliated,  unless  sickness 
or  inabilty  be  shewn  as  the  reason  for  non-affiliation  or  non-pay- 
ment. 

12.  All  non-affiliated  Masons,  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  warned  and  notified  to  present  themselves  at 
the  nearest  Lodge  to  their  place  of  abode,  and  affiliate  with  said 
Lodge,  unless  for  cause  shown  they  shall  be  excused  by  said  Lodge. 

All  Masons  in  this  jurisdiction,  who  after  having  been  faith- 
fully and  fully  warned,  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  appear  as  herein  re- 
quired, or  appearing,  refuse  to  affiliate  or  show  cause  for  non- 
affiliation,  shall  be  deemed  unworthy  of  and  denied  all  Masonic 
privileges,  rights  and  charities,  unless  they  produce  a  certificate 
from  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  or  the  Secretary  of  the  Masonic 
Board  of  Relief,  within  whose  Jurisdiction  they  reside,  or  from  the 
Grand  Secretary,  that  they  have  contributed  to  such  Lodge,  Board 
of  Relief,  or  this  Grand  Lodge,  an  amount  equivalent  to  the  dues 
of  such  Lodge. 


INDEX 


OF 

Constitution  and  Regulations. 

♦♦> 

Part.  Art.  Sec. 

Affiliation,  application  for, 3  3  2 

application  for,  dimit  with, •  3  3  11 

non,  penalty  of,  (Reg.  11,  12,) 5  2  1 

Appeal  from  Master's  decisions, 4  2  3 

trial,  how  taken, 6  18 

trial,  how  taken, 2  4 

trial,  bow  taken, 3  9 

suspends  action  of  sentence,  (Reg.  9.) 

Amendment,  By-Laws, , 3  2  5 

Constitution, 7  1 

By-Laws,  copy  to  Grand  Secretary, 3  2  5 

Ballot,  one  for  three  degrees, 3  3  5 

Black  Book, 4  5  2 

Candidates,  q*iialifications  of, 3  3  2 

objections  to  advancement, 3  5 

examined  in  open  Lodge, 3  6 

Charter,  fees  for, 18  2 

fees  for, 2  4  3 

Arrested  by  Grand  Master, 2  11 

maybe  arrested, 3  2  10 

arrest  suspends  members, 3  4  5 

how  surrendered, 3  4  2 

how  forfeited, 3  4  3 

new  Lodge, 3  14 

Clandestine  Lodge,  non-intercourse,  (Reg.  2,) 5  2  3 

Masons, 3  3  12 

Committees,  Grand  Lodge, 1  7 

all  business  to  be  referred  to, 17  3 

on  Petitions,  duties  of, 3  3  3 

Communications,  G.  Master  &  G.  Sec.  to  be  read  &  filed,..  3  2  7 

Charges  against  Master,  bow  tried, ; 6  1 

against  individual,  how  tried, 6  3 


48 


Part.  Art. 


Commission  to  try  Master, 6     12 

to  try  Lodge, 6     2  2 

to  try  individual 6     3  2 

Dues  to  Grand  Lodge, 18  4 

when  paid, 3     2  4 

Dispensation,  new  Lodge, 3     12 

new  Lodge,  may  be  continued 3     13 

to  re-ballot,  how  granted, 3     3  4 

without  reference,  how  granted, 3     3  4 

to  fill  vacancies,  how  granted, 4     1  2 

Grand  Master  to  grant, 2     11 

fees  Grand  Lodge, 18  2 

fees  Grand  Secretary, 2     4  3 

Diplomas,  fees  Grand  Lodge, 18  2 

fees  Grand  Secretary, , 2     4  3 

fees  to  widow,  none, 2     4  1 

Degrees,  qualification  for, 3     3  2 

one  ballot  for, 3     3  5 

objection  to  advance, 3     3  5 

how  and  when  conferred, 3     3  8 

Dimit  to  accompany  application, 3     3  11 

how  and  when  granted, 5     2  4 

Dueling  prohibited,  (Reg  1.) 

Definition  of  terms  used, 7     2 

Election,  Grand  Officers, 1     5 

Lodge  Officers, 4     1 

Lodge  electors  at 4     13 

Expulsion  defined, 7     2 

Examination,  visitors  to  be 3     3  13 

for  advancement, 3     3  6 

Fees  to  Grand  Lodge, 18  2 

to  Grand  Secretary, 2     4  3 

to  be  paid  before  issuing, 18  3 

for  degrees, 3     3  7 

Grand  Officers,  qualification  of, 12  2 

elections  of, 1     5 

vacancies,  how  filled, 15  3 

appointed,  duties  of, 2     5 

Grand  Lodge,  powers  and  authorities, 1     3 

its  meetings, 1     4 

who  to  vote  in, 1     ^ 

vote,  how  taken, 1     6 

revenue, 1     8 

Grand  Lodge  dues, 1     8  4 

fees, 18  2 

Grand  Master,  powers  of, 2     11 


INDEX.  49 

Part.  Art.  Sec. 

to  have  casting  vote, 16  7 

duties  of, 2  1  2 

definition  of  term, 7  2 

Grand  Deputy,  powers  and  duties, 2  2  1 

Grand  Wardens,  powers  and  duties, 2  2  2 

Grand  Secretary,  duties  of, 2  4  1 

to  tile  bond, 2  4  2 

compensation  of, 2  4  3 

fees  of, 2  4  3 

to  appoint  Assistant,.. 2  4  4 

custodian  of  property  of  dissolved  Lodges, 18  6 

Grand  Treasurer,  duties  of, 2  3 

to  file  bond, 2  3  2 

compensation  of, 2  3  3 

Jurisdiction,  definition  of, 7  2 

Lodge,  how  represented  in  Grand  Lodge, 3  2  3 

three  votes  in  Grand  Lodge, 1  6 

dues  to  Grand  Lodge,....  18  4 

dues  to  Grand  Lodge,  when  paid, 3  2  4 

delinquent,  Grand  Secretary  to  report, 2  4  1 

non-compliance, .  Grand  Secretary  to  report...  2  4  1 

organization  of, 3  1 

how  dissolved, 3  4  1 

property  belongs  to  Grand  Lodge, 18  5 

officers  of, 3  14 

powers  and  duties, 3  2 

meetings  of, 3  2  2 

responsible  for  Secretary, 3  2  10 

place  of  meeting,  how  changed, 3  3  1 

not  to  receive  lectures, 3  3  10 

returns  to  Grand  Lodge, 3  2  4 

returns,  penalty  for  not  making, 3  3  14 

charter,  how  surrendered, 3  4  2 

charter,  how  forfeited, 3  4  2 

failing  to  elect  officers, 4  1  2 

vacancy  in  offices, 4  1  2 

difficulty  between,  how  settled, 6  2 

to  notify  each  other,  (Reg.  3.) 

Lectures  only  by  Grand  Lecturer, 3  3  10 

Member  Grand  Lodge,  who, 12  1 

Members  Grand  Lodge,  qualifications, 12  2 

of  only  one  Lodge, 5  12 

Membership,  how  acquired, 5  11 

how  lost, 5  13 

Meeting,  place  of,  how  changed, 3  3  1 

business  at,  stated, 3  2  2 

business  at,  special, 3  2  2 


50 


Pfirt.  Art.  Sec. 


Master,  definition  of, 7  2 

duties  and  powers, 4  2 

no  appeal  from  decision, 4  2 

casting  vote, 4  2 

penalty  for  neglect  of  duty, 4  2 

to  preside  at  all  meetings, 4  2 

trial  of, 6  1 

punishment  of, 6  1 

to  preside  at  trials, 6  3 

Masons  may  acquire  Membership, 5  1 

member  of  but  one  Lodge, 5  1 

membership,  how  ended, 5  1 

may  dimit,  how, 5  1 

must  be  affiliate, 5  2 

not  affiliated,  suspended, 5  2 

not  to  divulge  vote, 5  2 

clandestine,  no  intercourse  with, 5  2 

suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues, 5  2 

unmasonic  conduct,  penalty, 5  2 

trial  of, 6  3 

made  in  other  States,  (Reg.  4.) 

Notices,  Master  to  issue, 4  2 

definition, 7  2 

Officers,  elected,  how  and  when, 4  1 

installed,  when, 4  1 

appointed,  who  and  how, 4  1 

appointed,  duties  of, 4  6 

who  eligible  as, 4  1 

who  an  elector, 4  1 

vacancy  in, 4  1 

failing  to  elect,  vacancy  how  filled, 4  1 

Proxies  not  allowed  in  Grand  Lodge, 1  2 

Past  Master,  definition, 7  2 

Chapter,  (Reg.  6.) 

how  to  vote  in  Grand  Lodge, 1  6 

Past  Gran»d  Officer,  definition, 7  2 

Petition  for  degrees,  how  made, 3  3 

referred 3  3 

can  not  be  withdrawn, 3  3 

Property  of  dissolved  Lodge, 3  4 

Punishment  of  an  individual  Mason, 6  3 

Master  of  a  Lodge,... » 6  1 

Quorum,  (Reg.  7.) 

Representative  to  other  Grand  Lodges, 2  1 

to  Grand  Lodge,  how  elected, 7  2 

to  Grand  Lodge,  how  paid, 3  2 


61 


Part.  Art.  Sec. 


Lodge  under  dispensation  not  to  vote, 3  3  15 

definition, 7  2 

Revenue,  Grand  Lodge,... 1  8 

Returns  to  Grand  Lodge,  when  and  how  made, 3  2  4 

Reinstate,  suspended  unmasonic  conduct, 6  4  2 

suspended  non-payment  of  dues, 3  3  9 

Grand  Lodge  may, 6  4  3 

not  to  membership, 6  4  3 

application  for,  how  made, 6  4  5 

Rejections,  &c.,  to  be  reported  to  Grand  Secretary, 4  5  1 

Roll  Books  to  be  kept  by  Lodges, -. 4  5  2 

Regulation,  definition - 7  2 

Seal  of  Lodge, 3  2  6 

to  be  on  every  paper, 3  2  6 

Grand  Lodge,  Grand  Secretary  to  keep, 2  4  1 

Suspension,  definition, 7  2 

non-payment  of  dues, 3  3  9 

non-payment   of  dues, 5  2  4 

to  be  reported, 4  5  1 

by  forfeiture  of  (charter, 3  4  4 

not  to  be  published, ■. 6  4  4 

indefinite  period, 6  4  2 

Summons,  Master  to  issue, 7  2 

definition, 4  2  1 

Secretary,  duties  of, 4  5 

keep  record  of  trial, 6  3  7 

notify  Grand  Secretary  of  restorations, 6  4  2 

Treasurer,  duties  of, 4  4 

Testimony,  how  taken, 6  13 

how  taken, 6  3  6 

Trial,  Master, 6  1 

Trial,  Master,  record  of  sent  to  Grand  Secretary, 6  17 

appeal  from  decision, 6  18 

commissioners  may  adjourn, 6  14 

Lodges  with  individuals, 6  2 

individuals, 6  3 

charges  to  be  served, 6  3  2 

charges,  how  and  when  served, 6  3  3 

commissioners  may  adjourn, 6  3  6 

decision,  how  returned  to  Lodge, 6  3  7 

decision,  read  in  secret  session, 6  3  7 

transcript  when  sent  to  Grand  Lodge, 6  3  9 

Grand  Secretary  to  be  notified, 6  3  8 

reviewed  in  Grand  Lodge, 6  4  1 

appeal  suspends  sentence,  (Reg.  9.) 

Vacancies,  Grand  offices,  how  filled, 16  3 


62  INDEX. 

Part.  Art.  Sec. 

Lodge  offices,  how  filled, 4  12 

defined, 7  2 

Vote,  casting,  Grand  Lodge, 16  7 

casting,  Lodge, 4  2  4 

not  to  be  divulged, 5  2  2 

Wardens,  duties  and  powers  of, 4  3 

Witnesses  to  be  summoned 6  3  5 


Funeral  S  ervice, 


No  Mason  can  be  interi-ed  with  the  formalities  of  the  Order,  unless  he 
shall  have  been  raised  to  the  Third  Degree.  Fellow  Crafts  and  Entered 
Apprentices  are  not  entitled  to  Masonic  obsequies^  nor  can  they  join  in 
processions  on  such  occasions. 

All  brethren  in  attendance  at  a  funeral  should  be  decently  clothed  in 
black,  with  crape  on  left  arm,  and  with  white  gloves  and  aprons. 

The  brethren  haviny  assembled  at  the  Lodge-room,  the  Master  opens 
the  Lodge  in  the  Third  degree  of  Masonry,  states  the  purpose  for  which  it 
has  been  called  together,  and  calls  the  Ijodge  off. 

The  service  is  then  commenced  as  follows  :— 

Master.  What  man  is  he  that  Uveth  and  shall  not  see  death  ? 
Shall  he  deliver  his  soul  from  the  hand  of  the  grave  ? 

Response.  Man  walketh  in  a  vain  shadow ;  he  heapeth  up  riches 
and  cannot  tell  who  shall  gather  them. 

Master.  When  he  dieth  he  shall  carry  nothing  away  ;  his  glory 
shall  not  descend  after  him. 

Response.  Naked  came  he  into  the  world,  and  naked  must  he 
return.  The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away  ;  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Master.     If  a  man  die  shall  he  live  again  ? 

Response.  The  dust  shall  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  ;  and 
the  spirit  shall  return  to  God  who  gave  it.  ^ 

Master.  Can  we  offer  no  precious  off'ering  to  redeem  our  lost 
brother  ? 

Response.  We  have  not  the  ransom  ;  the  place  that  knew  him 
once,  shall  know  him  no  more  forever. 

Master.     Shall  his  name  be  lost  upon  earth  ? 

Response.  We  will  record  it  in  our  hearts,  we  will  treasure  it 
in  our  memories,  being  dead  he  shall  yet  speak  to  us,  in  the  recollec- 
tion of  his  virtues. 

Master.  Our  brother  has  fulfilled  his  earthly  destiny  ;  may  we 
all  live  the  life  of  the  righteous,  that  our  last  end  may  be  like  his. 

Response.  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and  ever !  may  he  be  our 
guide  even  unto  death. 

Master.  Almighty  Father  !  in  thy  hands  we  leave  with  humble 
submission  the  soul  of  our  deceased  brother. 

Response.     [Repeated  three  times,  giving  the  grand  honors  each  time.) 

The  will  of  God  is  accomplished.     So  mote  it  be.     Amen. 


54  FUNERAL   SERVICE. 

Master.  Brethren,  let  us  here  drop  the  tear  of  sorrow  at  the 
loss  of  our  departed  brother  who  shall  meet  us  no  more  in  the 
mysteries  and  fellowship  of  our  beloved  order.  Let  us  keep  fresh 
in  our  memories  his  virtues,  and  strive  to  imitate  them.  Let  us 
cast  about  his  infirmities,  whatever  they  may  have  been,  the  broad 
mantle  of  a  Mason's  charity,  remembering  that  it  is  human  to  err, 
but  divine,  to  forgive  what  is  evil  and  to  love  that  which  is  good. 

Master  or  Chaplain.  Oh  !  Father  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  com- 
fort, our  only  help  in  time  of  need,  look  with  pity,  we  pray  thee, 
upon  the  sorrows  of  thy  servants,  and  sanctify  to  us  Thy  fatherly 
correction.  Make  us  deeply  sensible  of  the  shortness  and  un- 
certainty of  human  life.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Let  Thy  Holy  Spirit  lead  us 
through  this  vale  of  misery,  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  the 
days  of  our  lives.  When  Thou  shall  call  us  hence  may  we  depart, 
having  the  testimony  of  good  conscience  ;  in  the  confidence  of  a 
certain  faith ;  in  the  comfort  of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and  holy 
hope ;  in  favor  with  Thee  our  God,  and  in  perfect  charity  with  the 
world ;  may  we  pass  from  this  earthly  Lodge  of  sorrow  to  Thy  joy- 
ful House  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  Amen. 
Response.  So  mote  it  be. 
Solemn  music  may  here  be  introduced. 

The  procession  shall  then  be  formed.     If  the  body  be  not  in  the  Lodge- 
room,  the  procession  will  move  to  the  house  of  the  deceased,  and  thence 
with  his  remains  to  the  place  of  sepulchre,  in  the  following  order : 
The  Tyler  with  a  drawn  sword  ; 
Stewards,  with  white  Rods  ; 
Musicians, 
(If  Masons  ;  otherwise  they  will  follow  the  Tyer  ;) 
Master  Masons  ; 
.  Junior  and  Senior  Deacons  ; 

Secretary  and  Treasurer ; 
Junior  and  Senior  Wardens  : 
Past  Masters  ; 
The  Holy  Writings; 
On  a  cushion  covered  with  black  cloth,  carried  by  the  oldest  mem- 
ber of  the  Lodge  ; 
The  Master ; 
The  Reverend  Clergy ; 
The        m        Body, 
With  the  insignia     |||     placed  thereon  ; 
Pall  bearers  ;  |f         Pall  bearers ; 

Mourners. 
When  the  procession  arrives  within  a  proper  distance  of  the  grave,  the 


FUNERAL    SERVICE.  55 

brethren  will  halt,  open  out  right  and  left  and  face  inwards,  t^  allow  the 

latter  part  of  the  procession  to  pass  through  in  the  following  order : 

Chaplain  or  officiating  Clergyman  ; 

Coffin  : 

Mourners  ; 

Worshipful  Master ; 

Brethren  in  reversed  order  ; 

On  arriving  at  the  grave  the  brethren  form  a  circle  around  it,  the 
oj/icers  and  Reverend  Clergy  at  the  head,  the  mourners  at  the  foot.  The 
regalia  is  taken  from  the  coffin  by  the  Senior  Deacon,  and  the  coffin  deposi- 
ted in  the  grave.  After  the  Clergyman  has  concluded  the  religious  ser- 
vices of  the  Church,  the  Worshipful  Master  shall  proceed  as  folloivs  : 

Master.  My  brethren :  here,  about  this  open  grave,  has  the 
solemn  voice  of  our  Heavenly  Father  again  called  us  to  stand,  that 
we  may  tenderly  lay  the  lifeless  body  of  our  departed  brother  in  the 
long  home,  and  take  to  our  hearts  the  solemn  message  that  thither 
every  man  goeth. 

To  us  who  remain,  death  seems  far  off.  How  often  is  our  in- 
ward thought  that  our  houses  shall  continue  forever,  and  our  dwelling 
places  to  all  generations  ;  so  we  call  lands  after  our  own  names, 
heap  up  riches,  and  go  on  as  if  we  are  to  live  forever,  and  not  see 
corruption.  But  this  grave  tells  us  that  we  too  will  soon  pass  hence, 
and  leave  behind  us  all  that  is  of  the  earth,  earthy  ;  then  will  we 
enter  into  the  world  beyond  where  all  things  are  eternal,  and  what 
is  now  unseen  becomes  visible.  The  world  passeth  away,  and  the 
lust  thereof;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  God,  abideth  forever. 
Let  us  then  henceforth  rightly  divide  our  time,  and  apply  our 
hearts  unto  the  divine  wisdom,  that  we  may  stand  in  our  everlasting 
lot  at  the  end  of  the  days. 

The  following  invocations  are  then  rehearsed  by  the  Ma.ster,  and  re- 
sponded to  by  the  brethren. 

Master  May  we  be  true  and  faithful,  and  may  we  live  and  die 
in  love  I 

Response.     So  mote  it  be. 

Master.  May  we  profess  only  that  which  is  good,  and  may 
we  always  act  in  accordance  with  our  professions  ! 

Response.     So  mote  it  be. 

Master.  May  the  Lord  bless  us  and  prosper  us,  and  may  all 
our  good  intentions  be  crowned  with  success  ! 

Response.     So  mote  it  be. 

The  Senior  Deacon  then  hands  the  Master  the  Apron,  and  the  Master 
continues  : 

This  Lamb-skin,  or  white  apron,  is  an  emblem  of  innocence, 
and  the  peculiar  badge  of  a  Mason.  It  is  more  ancient  than  the 
Golden  Fleece  or  Roman  Eagle,  and,  when  worthily  worn,  more 
honorable  than  Star  or  Garter,  or  any  other  order  which  earthly 
power  can  confer.     Being  tjie  Badge  of  Innocence  and  the  Bond  of 


56  FUNERAL    SERVICE. 

Friends^ ^^,  this  emblem  which  we  now  deposit  in  the  grave  of 
our  deceased  brother,  (drops  it  in  the  grave,)  reminds  us  that  the 
dominion  of  death  is  universal ;  that  the  wealth  of  the  world  cannot 
buy  or  release,  and  that  neither  the  strong  arm  of  friendship  nor 
the  virtue  of  innocence  can  prevent  his  coming. 

The  Master,  holding  the  evergreen  in  his  hand,  continues : 

This  evergreen  is  an  emblem  of  our  faith  in  the  immortality  of 
our  souls,  which  the  grave  shall  never  receive,  over  which  death 
hath  no  dominion,  and  which  shall  pass  through  the  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death  to  its  eternal  destiny  beyond.  ''  For  we  know  that 
our  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon 
the  earth." 

A  Funeral  Dirge  may  then  be  sung  or  played  while  the  brethren  move 
in  procession  around  the  grave,  each  depositing  in  it  a  sprig  of  evergreen 
as  he  passes  the  head.  The  Secretary  then  drops  his  roll  upon  the  coffin  ; 
and  the  public  Grand  Honors  are  given  thrice,  all  repeating  at  each 
time : — 

The  will  of  God  is  accomplished  !     So  mote  it  be  !     Amen  ! 

The  cover  is  then  placed  on  the  outer  case.  The  Master  then  con- 
tinues as  folloivs  : 

Brother,  we  commit  thy  body  to  the  grave  ;  earth  to  earth, 
{here  the  Senior  Deacon  drops  earth  on  the  coffin  three  several  times,)  ashes 
to  ashes,  dust  to  dust.  We  bid  thee  a  long,  a  last  farewell  ;  thine 
earthly  toil  is  over  ;  mayest  thou  rest  forever  in  heavenly  peace. 
Amen. 

Response.     So  mote  it  be. 

Brethren  and  Friends  : — From  time  immemorial  it  has  been 
the  custom  among  the  Fraternity  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  at 
the  request  of  a  Brother,  to  accompany  his  remains  to  the  place  of 
interment,  and  there  to  deposit  them  with  the  usual  formalities  of 
the  Craft.  In  conformity  to  this  usage  and  at  the  desire  of  our  de- 
ceased brother,  whose  loss  we  deplore  and  whose  memory  we  revere, 
we  have  assembled  in  the  character  of  Masons  to  resign  his  body  to 
the  earth,  whence  it  came,  and  to  oifer  up  to  his  memory  before  the 
world  this  last  tribute  of  aifection  ;  thereby  demonstrating  the  sin- 
cerity of  our  esteem  for  him,  and  our  unchanging  attachment  to  the 
principles  of  our  Order. 

Our  departed  brother's  course  on  the  level  of  time  has  ended  ; 
we  are  speedily  after  him  to  reach  the  same  bound  appointed  us  of 
God  which  we  may  not  pass.  The  Grand  Master  has  called  from 
earthly  toil  one  of  his  workmen  to  apply  to  him  and  his  work  the 
square  of  righteous  judgment.  Before  that  august  Master,  in  the 
Lodge  of  Eternity,  we  also  must  shortly  appear,  and  submit  our 
work  for  inspection.  Let  us  then  work  while  it  is  day;  encourage 
and  help  one  another ;  take  the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the  rule  and 
guide  of  our  faith  and  practice  ;  and  heartily  make  ready  to  be  raised 


FUNERAL    SERVICE.  57 

at  the  divine  call  to  the  heavenly  kingdom   which  has  been  pre- 
pared for  faithful  Craftsmen. 

Response.     So   mote  it  be. 

W.'.M.'.or  Chaplain.  Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  in  whom 
we  live  and  move,  and  have  our  being,  and  before  whom  all  men 
must  appear  to  give  an  account  of  the  deeds  done  in  the  body,  have 
mercy  upon  us.  Convince  our  minds  and  teach  our  hearts  by  the 
solemn  lessons  of  this  day. 

Vouschafe  us,  we  pray  Thee,  Thy  divine  assistance  to  redeem 
our  mispent  time,  and  to  build  aright,  in  the  days  which  remain, 
our  spiritual  edifice.  Give  us  wisdom  from  on  high  to  direct  us  ; 
strength  to  support  us ;  the  beauty  of  holiness  to  adorn  our  lives. 
At  last,  when  the  gavel  of  Death  shall  call  us  from  our  labors,  may 
we  enter  into  the  blessed  and  everlasting  rest  of  the  kingdom 
above.     Amen. 

Response.     So  mote  it  be. 

The  Master  then  approaches  the  head  of  the  grave  and  says  : — 

Soft  and  safe  be  this  the  earthly  bed  of  our  brother.  Bright 
and  glorious  be  his  rising  from  it !  Fragrant  be  the  cassia  sprig  that 
here  shall  flourish !  May  the  earliest  buds  of  spring  unfold  their 
beauties  o'er  this  his  resting  place.  Though  the  cold  blasts  of 
autumn  may  lay  them  in  the  dust,  and  for  a  time  destroy  the  loveli- 
ness of  their  existence,  yet  the  destruction  is  not  final,  and  in  the 
spring  they  shall  surely  bloom  again.  So,  in  the  bright  morning 
of  the  world's  resurrection,  his  mortal  frame  now  laid  in  the  dust 
by  the  chilling  blast  of  Death,  may  spring  again  into  newness  of 
life,  and  expand,  in  immortal  beauty,  in  realms  beyond  the  skies. 
[Benediction.)  The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us — the  Lord  make 
his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be  gracious  unto  us — the  Lord  lift 
upon  us  the  light  of  his  countenance,  and  give  us  peace, 
Response.     Amen  !    So  mote  it  be. 

Thus  the  services  end.     The  procession  will  reform  and  return  to 
the  Lodge-room,  and  the  Lodge  will  be  closed  in  the  customary  manner. 


58  FUNERAL    DIRGE. 

.FUNERAL  DIRGE. 


Air,  PleyeVs  (rennan  Hymn, 


1  Solemn  strikes  the  funWal  chime, 
JVotesof  our  departing  time  ; 
As  we  journey  here  beloio, 
Through  a  pilgrimage  of  IV oe. 

2  Mortals,  now  indulge  a  tear, 
For  mortality  is  here  ; 

See  how  wide  her  trophies  wave 
O'er  the  slumbers  of  the  grave. 

3  Here,  another  Guest  we  bring  ! 
Seraphs,  of  celestial  iving. 

To  our  funeral  altar  come  ; 

Waft  a  Friend  a7id  Brothm^  home. 

4  Far  beyond  the  grave,  there  lie 
Brighter  mansions  in  the  sky  ; 
Where,  enthroned,  the  Deity 
Gives  man  immortality. 

5  There,  enlarged,  his  soul  will  see 
What  was  veiled  in  mystery ; 
Heavenly  glories  of  the  place 
Show  his  Maker  ''  face  to  face." 

6  God  of  Life's  Eternal  Day  ! 
Guide  us,  lest  from  Thee  we  stray, 
By  a  false,  delusive  light, 

To  the  shades  of  endless  night. 

7  Calm,  the  Good  Man  meets  his  fate  ; 
Guards  celestial  round  him  wait ! 
See ;  he  bursts  these  mortal  chains, 
And  o'er  Death  the  vict'ry  gains  ! 

8  Lord  of  all  below,  above. 

Fill  our  souls  loith  Truth  and  Love  ; 
As  dissolves  our  Earthly  Tie, 
Take  us  to  thy  Lodge  on  High  ! 

Note. — It  is  customary  to  sing  only  the  1st,  3d,  and  8th  stanzas.  On  funeral 
occasions  the  first  two  of  these  may  be  sung  on  entering  the  burial-ground,  while 
moving  in  procession;  and  the  last  during  the  ceremonies  at  the  grave. 


BY-LAWS 


OF 


^Iko  I<od^e,  ^o.  15, 

4^> 

ARTICLE  I.       . 

OF   NAME   AND    OFFICERS. 

Section  1.  This  Lodge  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  Elko 
Lodge,  No.  15,  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  and  its  officers  shall 
consist  of  a  Master,  a  Senior  Warden,  a  Junior  Warden,  a  Treas- 
urer, a  Secretary,  a  Senior  Deacon,  a  Junior  Deacon,  a  Marshal, 
two  Stewards,  a  Tyler,  and  such  other  officers  as  the  Lodge  may 
deem  proper  to  appoint. 

ARTICLE  II. 

OF    ELECTIONS    AND    APPOINTMENTS. 

Section  1.  The  Master,  the  Senior  Warden,  the  Junior  Warden, 
the  Treasurer  and  the  Secretary,  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  in  con- 
formity with  Sec.  I,  Art.  1,  Part  IV,  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  The  other  officers  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Master, 
except  the  Junior  Deacon,  who  may  be  appointed  by  the  Senior 
Warden. 

ARTICLE  III. 

OF    COMMUNICATIONS    OF   THE    LODGE. 

Section  1.  The  stated  Communications  of  the  Lodge  shall  be 
holden  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  each  month. 

Sec.  2.  Special  Communications  may  be  called  from  time  to 
time,  as  the  Lodge  or  the  presiding  officer  thereof  may  direct. 


60  BY-LAWS. 

ARTI(i:;LE  IV. 

OF    INITIATION   AND    MEBERSHIP. 

Section  1.  All  petitions  for  initiation  or  affiliation  must  be 
signed  by  the  petitioner,  and  be  recommended  by  two  members  of 
the  Lodge,  and  accompanied  with  the  usual  fee.  Every  such 
petition  shall  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  report  thereon,  at  the  next  stated  Communication,  (unless 
further  time  be  granted)  when  the  applicant  may  be  balloted  for, 
and  received  or  rejected,  or  the  ballot  may  be  postponed  until  the 
ensuing  stated  Communication,  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. 

Sec.  2.  If  an  applicant  elected  to  receive  the  degrees  in  this 
Lodge,  does  not  come  forward  to  be  initiated  within  three  months 
thereafter,  the  fee  shall  be  forfeited  unless  the  Lodge  shall  other- 
wise direct. 

Sec.  3.  Every  person  raised  to  the  degree  of  Master  Mason 
in,  or  elected  a  member  of  this  Lodge,  shall  sign  the  By-Laws 
thereof. 

ARTICLE   V. 

OF  the  treasurer. 

Section  1.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  all  moneys  from  the 
Secretary  ;  shall  keep  an  accurate  and  just  account  thereof,  and 
shall  pay  the  same  out  only  upon  an  order  duly  signed  by  the 
Master,  and  countersigned  by  the  Secretary.  He  shall  at  the  stated 
Communications  in  December,  March,  June  and  September  of  each 
year,  submit  a  report  in  full  of  the  monetary  transactions  of  the 
Lodge.  The  Lodge  may  also,  at  any  time  when  considered  neces- 
sary, cause  him  to  present  an  account  of  his  receipts  and  disburse- 
ments, and  of  the  amount  of  funds  on  hand. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

OF   THE    SECRETARY. 

Section  1.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  a  faithful  record  of  all 
proceedings  proper  to  be  written  ;  shall  transmit  a  copy  of  the  same 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  when  required  ;  shall  keep  a  separate  account 
for  each  member  of  the  Lodge  ;  shall  report  at  the  stated  Communi- 
cations in  December,  March,  June  and  September,  the  amount  due 
by  each  member  ;  shall  receive  all  moneys  due  the  Lodge,  and  pay 
the  same  to  the  Treasurer;  and  shall  perform  all  such  other  duties 
as  may  properly  appertain  to  his  office. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  receive  such  compensation  for  his  services  as 
the  Lodge  may  direct. 


61 


ARTICLE  VII. 

OF     THE     TYLER. 

Section  1.  The  Tyler,  in  addition  to  the  necessary  duties  of 
his  office,  shall  serve  all  notices  and  summonses,  and  perform  such 
other  services  as  may  be  required  of  him  by  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  2.  He  shall  receive  as  compensation  for  his  services, 
Two  Dollars  for  each  Communication  of  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Section  1 .     The  table  of  fees  for  this  Lodge  shall  be  as  follows : 
For  the  degree  of  Entered  Apprentice,  $25;  for  the  degree  of 
Fellow  Craft,  $20  ;  for  the  degree  of  Master  Mason,  $30. 

ARTICLE  IX. 


Section  1.  The  dues  of  each  Member  of  this  Lodge  shall  be 
One  Dollar  per  month,  payable  quarterly. 

Sec.  2.  No  member  who  is  six  months  in  arrears  for  dues  at 
the  time  of  Annual  Election,  shall  be  permitted  to  vote,  or  shall  be 
eligible  to  any  office. 

Sec.  3.  Any  member,  who  has  been  suspended  for  non-pay- 
ment of  his  dues,  may  be  restored  to  membership  upon  payment  of 
all  arrearages. 

Sec.  4.  Any  member  in  good  standing  may  withdraw  from 
membership  by  paying  his  dues  and  notifying  the  Lodge  to  that 
etfect,  at  a  stated  Communication,  but  no  recommendatory  certifi- 
cate shall  be  issued  unless  ordered  by  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  X. 

OF    COMMITTEES. 

Section  1.  The  Master  and  Wardens  shall  be  a  charity  commit- 
tee, and  shall  have  power  to  draw  upon  the  Treasurer  for  any 
sum  not  exceeding  ten  dollars,  at  any  one  time,  for  the  relief  of 
a  distressed  worthy  brother,  his  wife,  widow  or  orphans. 

Sec.  2.  The  Master  and  Wardens  shall  constitute  an  Auditing 
Committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all  accounts  presented 
against  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  3.     All  reports  of  committees  shall  be  made  in  writing. 

ARTICLE  XL 

OF    WIDOWS    AND    ORPHANS    FUND. 

Section  1 .     The  fees  received  by  the  Lodge  for  every  degree  of 


62  BY-LAWS. 

Master  Mason  conferred  herein,  shall  be  set  apart  by  the  Treasurer 
to  the  credit  of  the  Widow's  and  Orphan's  Fund. 

Sec.  2  The  Masters  and  Wardens  shall  be  Trustees  of  the 
Widows  and  Orphan's  Fund,  and  shall  have  full  control  of  the  same, 
with  power  to  invest  it  on  good  security. 

Sec.  3.  All  interest  accruing  to  said  fund  shall  be  added  to  the 
principal,  until  the  fund  amounts  to  five  hundred  dollars  and  over. 
The  Trustees  may  then  draw  upon  it  for  the  relief  of  Widows  or 
Orphans  under  the  care  of  the  Lodge ;  provided,  that  at  no  time 
shall  the  said  fund  be  drawn  upon  so  as  to  leave  less  than  two  hun- 
dred dollars  therein. 

ARTICLE  XII. 

OF    REVEALING    THE    TRANSACTIONS    OF    THE    LODGE. 

Section  1.  When  a  candidate  for  initiation  or  affiliation  is  re- 
jected, or  a  brother  reprimanded,  suspended,  or  expelled,  no  mem- 
ber or  visitor  shall  reveal,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  to  such 
person,  or  to  any  other,  any  transactions  which  may  have  taken 
place  on  the  subject,  nor  shall  any  proceedings  of  the  Lodge  not 
proper  to  be  made  public  be  disclosed  outside  thereof,  under  the 
penalty  of  reprimand  or  expulsion,  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 

of  order  of  business. 

Section  1.  The  regular  order  of  business  at  every  stated  Com- 
munication of  the  Lodge,  shall  be  as  follows : — 

1.  Reading  of  the  Minutes. 

2.  Reports  of  Commitees. 

3.  Ballotings. 

4.  Reception  of  Petitions. 

5.  Miscellaneous  and  Unfinished  Business. 

6.  Conferring  Degrees. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 

OF    AMENDMENTS. 

Section  1.  These  By-Laws  may  be  amended  at  any  stated 
Commuication,  by  a -vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present; 
provided  that  notice  of  such  amendment  shall  have  been  given  at 
the  stated  Communication  next  preceding,  but  such  amendment 
shall  have  no  effect  until  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Master,  and  until  such  approval  shall  have  been  transmitted  to  the 
Grand  Secretary. 


OFFICERS  AND  MEMBERS 

OF 

Elko  Lodge,  No.  15,  F.  &  A.  M. 

MARCH  5,  1873. 


Jonah  D.  Treat,  Master. 
Elijah  S.  Yeates,  Senior  Warden. 
Otto  Frilling,  Junior  Warden. 
Robert  Oliver,  Treasurer. 
Thomas  N.  Stone,  Secretary. 


William  Plughoff,  Senior  Deacon. 
Anton i  Bixel,  Junior  Deacon. 
C.  R.  VanAelstyn,      \  ^.  , 

Geo.  B.  Kittridge,      }«««'*«'•*• 
Walter  Chase,  Tyler. 


Alexander,  Jacob. 
Abel,  G.  B. 
Burkett,  John  P. 
Bennett,  William  M. 
Brewster,  George  P. 
Carpeaux,  Edmond  J. 
Cassen,  James. 
Dyer,  William  F. 
Ellis,  John  J. 
Eichnauer,  John  C. 
Fisher,  Allen. 
Free,  Franklin. 
Freeman,  Merrill  P. 
Garrecht,  Theobald. 
Hoffman,  J.  J. 
Henly,  Thomas  B. 
Holmes,  Thomas. 
Hamill,  Thomas. 
Harenor,  William  M. 
Hamlyn,  Thomas. 
Hale,  Charles  H. 


MASTER  MASONS. 

Jenkins,  Samuel  K. 
Kenyon,  Thomas  C. 
Leventhall,  Edward. 
Lawson,  Walter. 
Lucas,  John  H. 
McDermitt,  James. 
McMullen,  Samuel. 
McBurney,  James. 
O'Connor,  Thomas. 
Reinhart,  Simon. 
Stafford,  William  M. 
Speilman,  A. 
Seitz,  George. 
Sargent,  Bejamin  F. 
Smith,  Albert  J. 
Smith,  Wellington  T. 
Tobias,  A.  J. 
Urton,  W.  J. 
VanDreilin,  W.  Smith 
Wines,  Leonard. 
Waterman,  Thomas  A. 
Woodworth,  J.  M. 


